Chronology of shark conservation in the Mexican Caribbean: a movement that transformed the relationship between science, community and the sea
Shark conservation in the Mexican Caribbean didn't emerge from a single project, but rather from a collective process that has evolved over three decades. This movement, driven by the scientific community, divers, fishermen, and civil organizations, found an operational hub in the Saving Our Sharks Foundation, whose work has marked a turning point in the protection of these key species for the ocean's balance.
Background: Curiosity, Science and First Encounters (1997 – 2010)
The earliest records of shark diving in the region are linked to pioneers such as Ramón Bravo and Alberto Friscione, who laid the foundations for understanding the ecological and tourist value of these animals.
The first swims, sightings, and dives with bull sharks in the Mexican Caribbean were recorded in 1997, thanks to the work of local guides and dive centers. These initial encounters opened the door to a new perspective: observing instead of extracting.
In 2009, the first formal reports of sightings began to be recorded in scientific logs, with the support of specialists such as Dr. Mauricio Hoyos, which allowed the transition from anecdotal observations to systematic records.
2010: The birth of Saving our Sharks
In 2010, Saving Our Sharks AC was formally established, bringing together divers, biologists, conservationists and experts with a clear objective: to revalue and conserve the sharks of the Mexican Caribbean.
That same year, the first community meetings were held to regulate bull shark diving activities in key destinations such as Playa del Carmen, involving dive centers, cooperatives, and authorities such as: SAGARPA, CONAPESCA, SECTUR, CONANP, PNCOIMPCPN.
Participating diving centers: Phantom Divers, Alberto's Scuba, Pepe Dive Center, UWE Underwater Expeditions, Phocea México, Dive Mike, Yucatek Diver, Pro dive, Buceo Ecodiving Tours, DiveMex, Dive Zone, Bullsharks Diving Center, Dos Ojos Scuba, O2 México, Reef Marina, Playa Diving Center, Dive Life
Mexidivers, Playa Diving Center, Gran Scuba, .
This collaborative approach was crucial: conservation ceased to be an isolated initiative and became a participatory model based on science and community.
2013–2016: Applied Science and Community Regulation
In 2013, acoustic telemetry receivers were installed and the first bull sharks were tagged, allowing their movements to be monitored and their behavior to be understood. This scientific advancement consolidated a management model that integrated research, monitoring, and responsible tourism.
In 2014, the Best Practices Manual for diving with bull sharks was developed in collaboration with dive centers, authorities, and experts. Additionally, the first Bull Shark Identification Guide was created, naming each individual shark and strengthening individual monitoring.
A key milestone occurred in 2016 with the decree of the Protected Natural Area Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve, where the community manual was incorporated into the management program, officially recognizing the collective effort.
2017–2019: Research and consolidation of the model
Between 2017 and 2019, technical and scientific studies were conducted in collaboration with CONANP, focusing on breeding areas, population monitoring, and regulation of shark diving tourism.
Simultaneously, marking campaigns and training programs were implemented, reaching up to 600 divers per season, establishing operating and safety standards.
In 2019, a successful satellite tagging campaign of tiger sharks was achieved together with MOTE Marine Laboratory, expanding scientific knowledge about pelagic species in the region.
2021–2025: Expansion with Saving our Sharks Foundation
In 2021, the Saving Our Sharks Foundation was established with an international reach, along with its Isla Mujeres Shark Initiative, focused on rehabilitating shark populations through the productive conversion of the fishing sector and a significant reduction in shark fishing. This resulted in the creation of the Kab Xok Cooperative, which represents a historic shift: shark fishermen, with generations of experience, are transitioning to non-extractive models such as sustainable tourism, becoming Masters of the Sea, guided and trained by Saving Our Sharks.
In 2023, the first scientific study using ultrasound on bull sharks in the region was published, and the visit of Dr. Sylvia Earle was recorded, strengthening the international recognition of the project.
Building on decades of collective work, Shark Month is integrated into the state's official environmental agenda, operated by Saving our Sharks and more than 166 intersectoral alliances, with a national presence and more than 50 activities in July.
2025: The Mexican Caribbean comes back to life
Today, the rehabilitation of shark populations in the Mexican Caribbean is a measurable reality. In just three years, the Isla Mujeres Shark Initiative has helped save more than 30,000 sharks, demonstrating that conservation based on science, community, and a sustainable economy works.
This timeline doesn't just recount events; it tells the story of a profound cultural shift. From exploitation to protection, from fear to respect, and from fishing to sustainable tourism. Thanks to the community's commitment, the sharks of the Mexican Caribbean now have a real chance of survival, and with them, the balance of the ocean and our shared future.
