Saving Our Sharks A.C.

Carcharhinus leucas (Bull shark) research in the Mayan Riviera appears to be non-existent and this project represents the first steps to address this lack of knowledge.

In order to accomplish the research a Non Government Organization (NGO) has been established in Quintana Roo México. The name of the organization is Saving Our Sharks A.C. Association Civil and its purpose is to allow us to better coordinate with other conservation, academic agencies and  scientific groups as well as to attract financial support for our research. 

The animals are located in the Bahia de Playa Del Carmen and the plan is to work in conjunction with local SCUBA dive operator who has pioneered diving with the Bull Sharks in order to observe, catalogue, and track the animals on a daily basis.

The project has a multi-year scope and our major goals for the project are to:

1.  take genetic (DNA) samples in order to determine the health and size of their population and possible link to other previous Bull Shark research subjects
2. determine their habitat requirements and range by tagging and tracking several of the animals with acoustic and satellite  telemetry (using the Argos Satellite network)
3.  work with Government to establish Marine Protected Areas that protect the sharks and the habitats they need to survive
4.   publish our findings in the scientific community to increase the global knowledge base of shark statistics and information
5.   increase public awareness of the sharks plight and the importance of the shark to the Oceans and to our existence through outreach to schools, businesses, fishing industry and others

We are looking for assistance and welcome any enquiries or comments. 

Introduction to Research & Conservation efforts PDF

The second initiative that we are involved with is the Pacific Red Lionfish invasion in the Caribbean Ocean. This is part of the broader Atlantic Ocean's problem and our efforts are focused in the Mayan Riviera area in Playa del Carmen. As Lionfish are now pervasive throughout the Caribbean, we are  interested in talking with other NGO's and or anyone who is presently working on this problem in other locals/countries.

In 2007/2008, the Pacific Red Lionfish was first seen in the Mayan Riviera and Cozumel Marine Parks.  Since its arrival, conservation efforts have been undertaken in order to try to mitigate the threat to local marine species. 

Originally Lionfish were captured and given to local authorities as part of a broader research initiative on this non-native species which has invaded the Caribbean Ocean. Over the first year many local dive operators took part in collection efforts and a lot of lionfish were eradicated during this time.

Since that time the momentum has been lost. At present very few people are capturing lionfish nor are they doing anything to protect the normal predator (grouper fish) from overfishing.  Our intention is to continue to do all we can to protect the native fish and reef organisms from predation by the Lionfish. 

Currently we are doing the following:

1. Performing regular Lionfish collection dives in the Mayan Riviera
   
2. Recording size and catch statistics from our dives.
   
3. We have been working with local restaurants in order to create a new seafood market for lionfish. We   are test serving lionfish at one restaurant in Playa del Carmen and expect to continue to offer them at this location for the foreseeable future.
   
4. Attempting to get other predators to eat Lionfish. Some species of Moray Eels are eating them regularly. 
   
5. Partnering with other NGO's, Dive Shops and concerned organizations in order to promote conservation of the reefs and to get them to support our efforts. 

We are looking for assistance and welcome any inquiries or comments you may have.            

Introduction to Research & Conservation efforts PDF