Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — Local divers have reported a significant increase in the sightings of bull sharks. Playa del Carmen diving instructor Ramón Magaña says they have been spotted in Riviera Maya waters “like nothing seen in 20 years.”
He attributes the increased sightings to the preservation of the species. “People have finally realized that a live shark is worth more than a dead one,” he said.
According to Magaña, local fishing coops have agreed to avoid bull shark fishing in an attempt to care for the species since they are considered near threatened.
“Tourist service providers have understood that if a service is offered responsibly we will be able to maintain the resource on which we all depend and that is only possible if we work together,” he explained.
He said that last year for example, Riviera Maya divers reported seeing 14 bull sharks during a dive. Already this year, divers are reporting between 18 and 20 sightings per dive, mostly of young sharks.
He says divers are hoping the increased sightings continue throughout what is known as bull shark season, which runs until the end of March.
