PROFEPA Imposes Fines on Two Vessels

ROC is now out on daily vigilance patrols with PROFEPA inspectors aboard. The following article is from a December 15, 2017 PROFEPA press release.

The Federal Office of Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) fined two vessels caught in the whale shark area without authorization. The first vessel was fined more than 50 thousand pesos (over $2,500 USD) and the second more than 30 thousand pesos (over $1,500 USD) for violating the Whale Shark Management Plan.

PROFEPA has conducted 31 surveillance patrols in the whale shark observation and swimming area of the Bay of La Paz, BCS, to guarantee compliance with legislation regulating the area. For the protection and conservation of Whale Sharks during this season, which began on October 1st, 2017 PROFEPA increased patrols for the care of the environment and the diversity of species of Flora and fauna.

As a result of the patrols, two vessels were secured (BAJA MAR II and BAJA I), after being caught in activities without authorization of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). In addition, an administrative procedure was instituted against owners of LA FORTUNA, LA LIONA and DIANA CRISTINA II for noncompliance with the Whale Shark Management Plan. During inspection they could not show that the guide or captain was certified to guide whale shark tours.

The owner of the vessel BAJA MAR II was fined $50,200.85 pesos, based on article 115 of the General Law of Wildlife. The owner of the vessel DIANA CRISTINA II was fined $30,196.00 pesos for violating the Whale Shark Management Plan, because the guide did not certify that they had training to guide tours.

In both cases, they were ordered to register in the Offender Registry regarding wildlife. Articles 104 of the General Wildlife Law and 138 of its Regulations state that the persons registered in the Offender Registry will not be granted authorizations, nor be subject to transmission of non-extractive wildlife rights.

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