An estimate of the number of white sharks interacting with ecotourism in Guadalupe Island
13. September 2020
An estimate of the number of white sharks Carcharodon carcharias interacting with ecotourism in Guadalupe Island
Edgar E. Becerril‐García, Edgar M. Hoyos‐Padilla, Omar Santana‐Morales, Miguel A. Gutiérrez‐Ortiz, Arturo Ayala‐Bocos, Felipe Galván‐Magaña
ABSTRACT:
The aim of the present study is to provide an estimate of the number of white sharks Carcharodon carcharias that seasonally interact with ecotourism boats in Guadalupe Island using Schnabel’s mark–recapture method and 6316 records of white sharks during 2012–2014. The results of the estimation highlight an abundance of 78 white sharks 95% C.I. (62.1, 105.6) interacting with ecotourism. The regulations regarding the number of tourists, boats and the monitoring of white sharks should be assessed to improve management decisions regarding the conservation and sustainable use of this threatened species.
Journal of Fish Biology, Early View, DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14540