Baja California Sur Research Articles

DESTINOS TURÍSTICOS COM DESENVOLVIMENTO LOCAL ASSIMÉTRICO: OS “CENTROS TURÍSTICOS PLANEJADOS INTEGRALMENTE” DE LOS CABOS E LORETO, BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR (MÉXICO)

Objective: This paper examines the effects of tourism on local development in two IPCs, Los Cabos and Loreto, located in the state of Baja California Sur (BCS), in northwestern Mexico. Theoretical Framework: The Integrally Planned Centers (IPC) are tourism development poles established in Mexico during the 1960s and 1970s to promote economic growth in peripheral coastal regions (then) underdeveloped but rich in natural resources and landscapes. Method: An analytical-descriptive methodology is used, specifically the analysis of principal components, which allows contextualizing the evolution of tourism and development trajectories. Results and Discussion: The results indicate the presence of asymmetric development trajectories, despite the fact that both regions started from the same development initiative, with FONATUR (the Mexican government's tourism board) in charge in both cases. Forty years after its creation, the government's tourism policy yields differentiated results. Los Cabos has become a world-renowned destination, associated with sport fishing, golf, and residential tourism. In contrast, the Loreto-Nopoló-Puerto Escondido tourist corridor has stagnated and is still waiting for its take-off towards sustained development. Research implications: The IPCs of Los Cabos and Loreto, Mexico, are the result of a public tourism policy based on an exogenous development model, fundamentally oriented to "sun and beach" tourism, where economic variables are prioritized, to the detriment of social and environmental variables, which are important elements of sustainable tourism. A markedly uneven growth process is observed between the two IPCs, Los Cabos points out, which, to date, is successful in macroeconomic variables, while in terms of development it is very limited and lower than planned. Originality/Value: In the research, inferential statistical methods are applied, through the analysis of Principal Components, from which the impact of public tourism policies on regional development is measured. This instrument is applied to two tourist destinations that show an asymmetrical development, one of which was constituted as the second international tourist destination in Mexico.

Food losses from farm to retail operations: agricultural produces supply chain of Baja Peninsula, México

Objective: To evaluate food losses (FL) volumes generated by farms in Baja California Peninsula, México, of five agricultural commodities. Design/methodology/approach: Baja California Sur (BCS) state was the study area. Information was gathered from a total of 380 sampled chain actors in asparagus, mango, strawberry, orange and tomato by survey and personal interviews. Tobit technique was applied to identify factors that influence FL percentage. Results: Data shows about 11.8% of asparagus is lost during harvesting and distribution, as well as 8.5% of strawberry, 26% of mango, 17.8% of oranges and 3.5% of tomatoes, representing 29.9% loss rate of marketed yield. Limitations on study/implications: This study did not classify commodities in the last steps of the supply chain. The five commodities used in the current study correspond to the more important agricultural produces in BCS, but given changing market, harvesting time and produce availability did not consider the waste of the supply chain. Findings/conclusions: Commodity, type of transportation and distribution, education, and human resources has been identified as influence factors in the volume of FL. This exploratory study fills the void in information in terms of its geographic scope and food group number, and farm owners willing to manage food losses for the purpose of obtaining bioactive compound. Keywords: Food loss, agrifood, desert agriculture, food security, retail

First record of an Eomysticetidae from the El Cien Formation (late Oligocene), “Ten Minute” locality, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Eomysticetidae (Chaeomysticeti clade) is an archaic family of baleen whales that originated and diversified during the Oligocene epoch. The fossil record of this family is represented by at least 11 formally described species, including records in Baja California Sur (Mexico), Kaiserswerth (Germany), Kitakyushu (Japan), South Carolina (United States), and South Island (New Zealand). Baja California Sur (BCS) possesses important marine deposits from the upper Oligocene, which document a rich diversity of fossil mysticetes, including members of the family Eomysticetidae. In this work, we report a whale specimen collected in the upper Oligocene San Juan Member, El Cien Formation, from the so-called “Ten Minute locality”, San Hilario, about 100 km NW of La Paz, Baja California Sur. The studied specimen consists of an incomplete skull, in which most of the rostrum and part of the occipital shield are missing but preserving one tympanic bulla in situ. This specimen is identified as belonging to the family Eomysticetidae based on both an elongated skull and nasals and transversely narrow and long intertemporal region with a wide exposure of parietals and frontals. The lack of more diagnostic regions precludes its identification at generic/specific levels. The specimen represents the first description of an eomysticetid for the San Hilario area, increasing our knowledge of the evolution of this group of mysticetes and its record in the Pacific basin from the late Oligocene of BCS.

Increased begomovirus disease incidence and severity in cucurbits associated with the emergence of CuLCrV in mixed infection with SLCuV in Baja California Sur, Mexico

Begomoviral diseases in cucurbits have been observed in Baja California Sur (BCS), Mexico recurrently since the 2017 detection of the Squash leaf curl virus (SLCuV) in squash. Two years later, samples of symptomatic plants were collected in three arid agricultural regions, where the most frequently observed symptoms were chlorosis, reduced leaf size, stunting and severe leaf deformation, observed mainly on squash and cantaloupe. The mean incidence of begomovirus-like symptoms differed among cucurbits, with 20% in cucumber, 28% in cantaloupe, 30% in watermelon and 50% in squash. Samples were tested by polymerase chain reaction for begomovirus infection with degenerate primers, and later the virus identities were confirmed by specific primer pairs. All symptomatic cucurbit samples tested positive for SLCuV, and in a second analysis of these previously tested samples, squash, and cantaloupe samples tested positive for Cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV). Thus, these samples showed a mixed CuLCrV/SLCuV infection. Pairwise identity analysis of the DNA-A component of the viruses indicated the presence of CuLCrV at 99%, and SLCuV at 99.1%. Recombination analyses between these viruses were negative, indicating that they belong to well-defined phylogenetic groups. Additionally, the 5´-TGGTGTCC-3´ iteron was consistently observed in all SLCuV and CuLCrV variants, including in other close species of the SLCuV clade. However, an additional iteron was observed in CuLCrV-BCS that is not in the Arizona and California variants, indicating that more studies are needed to elucidate the role of the additional iteron and the importance of CuLCrV/SLCuVSLCV mixed infection in emerging viruses in Mexico and other parts of the world.

Battery energy storage systems' integration in Baja California Sur, Mexico: A long-term electrical grid assessment

This paper aims to assess the long-term integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Baja California Sur (BCS), Mexico. First, the electrical grid in BCS is parametrized and modeled to reproduce the actual operational conditions before evaluating long-term expansion scenarios. Eleven scenarios are modeled to assess the integration of BESS under different conditions, such as changes in the level of renewable penetration and restrictions on generation technologies deployment. Our results indicate that BESS in BCS reduce total systems costs and support the development of higher shares of renewable energy technologies across all modeled scenarios, but does not eliminate curtailment in the optimization of the operational strategies. In instances where large volumes of renewable energy deployment take place, up to 22 % can be curtailed, however this still leads to least-cost expansion, and with fewer emissions than with fossil-fuel based scenarios. Transmission expansion occurs in some scenarios, but it is limited to 480 MW total, which in other scenarios can be avoided via BESS investments. Based on the capacity and dispatch results of the different evaluated pathways, a set of recommendations for BCS system operators and decision-makers are provided.

Severe combined immunodeficiency with a homozygous c.464T>C (p.Leu155Pro) mutation in the RAG2 gene in a country without neonatal screening: Report of two clinical cases

Introduction: Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a disorder belonging to the broad spectrum of inborn errors of immunity (IEI), characterized by a predisposition to develop recurrent, severe, difficult-to-treat opportunistic infections. This disorder is associated with abnormalities in genes of the adaptive immune system and should be suspected in patients with infections during the first months of life, mainly due to fungal pathogens and intracellular agents. Case Presentation: Two cases of SCID diagnosed at the General Hospital with Specialties "Juan María de Salvatierra” in Baja California Sur (BCS), México in 2022 are described. The first patient presented persistent candidiasis stomatitis with no response to oral treatment. The second patient presented mycotic dermatitis and oropharyngeal candidiasis compatible with Candida albicans and multiple episodes of multi-treated airway infection with partial remission. The diagnosis was completed with a genetic panel that showed a mutation in RAG2 homozygous variant c.464T>C (p.Leu155Pro) in both patients. Conclusions: SCID should be considered in patients with recurrent and difficult-to-treat infectious diseases in the first months of life. For its timely detection, implementing neonatal screening quantifying of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) is recommended. This method is not available in Mexico, so it has been relevant to have physicians trained in the timely clinical identification of the disease. Thanks to the prompt referral of both patients to our hospital, we could treat the comorbidities associated with SCID, provide a specific molecular diagnosis, and transfer the patients to a hospital specialized in bone marrow transplantation for definitive treatment.

Small-Scale Food Production in the Pandemic: Perspectives from Mexico and Guatemala / Producción de alimentos en pequeña escala durante la pandemia: perspectivas desde México y Guatemala

In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content: As researchers conducting fieldwork in the era of COVID-19 in Mexico and Guatemala, we observed how the pandemic dramatically altered small-scale food production systems. Given the differentiated impacts of COVID-19 on agri-food systems and the diversity of strategies implemented across scales in Mexico and Central America (Lopez-Ridaura et al., 2021), we present three perspectives to highlight the variability in socioeconomic disruptions, local market alterations, and responses among (a) smallholder members of Guatemalan farmer organizations involved in agroecology from A.M. Rice, (b) agroecological producers in Oaxaca, Mexico from L.M. Choi, and (c) small-scale fishers in Baja California Sur (BCS), Mexico from J.W. Dean. We find variability in the effects of supply chain disruptions and the spectrum of shifts to alternative products or markets, as mediated through localized producer networks. We focus on the immediate impacts and responses to the pandemic (reporting primarily on fieldwork between 2020–2022).

Factors that facilitate or limit the development of bivalve mollusk aquaculture in BCS, Mexico: The small-scale producers’ perspective

Aquaculture is the activity with the highest economic growth in the fishing sector worldwide. This activity in Baja California Sur (BCS) Mexico is at a key moment due recent upturn in production and the number of operating organizations; regarding bivalve mollusks culture (the livelihood of hundreds of families), but they are unable to stabilize their production. The purpose of this research was to determine the factors that limit/favor the development of the activity, in order to propose strategic actions to improve the situation. For this, through a survey, a political, economic, social and technological, ecological, and legal analysis (PESTEL) were integrated. Among the results stands out that 88% of the companies started activity less than a decade ago, with a higher rate of company creation in the last four years. The producer’s profile shows that they come mainly from fishing and agricultural activities, and two-thirds only have primary or secondary education. As a relevant weakness, only 22% of companies have social security for workers and their families. Environmental conditions, climate, water quality, and high product consumption stand out as favorable aspects. Among the limitations are the shortage of seeds, deficient infrastructure, marketing problems, and lack of financing programs. Within the political factors, producers demand the ordering of the sector. We conclude the need to improve government support programs, seed production, innovation process, productive and commercial articulation, crop diversification, and strengthening of the BCS oyster product network.

Epidemiological overview of snakebites in the Baja California peninsula, Mexico (2003-2018).

Ophidian accident is a global public health problem. In Mexico, there is a high incidence of snakebites, which cause medical complications that can leave severe sequelae. To analyze the epidemiological overview of snake venom poisoning in the Baja California (BC) peninsula within the 2003-2018 period. A descriptive, retrospective analysis of reported cases was carried out, based on data collection and interpretation. A total of 541 records were obtained, out of which 273 occurred in BC and 268 in Baja California Sur (BCS), with an annual average of 17.06 and 16.75, respectively. The incidence rate for BC was 7.62, while for BCS it was 33.09. The highest annual incidence rate in the state of BC corresponded to southern Ensenada, with a value of 42.3, while in BCS it corresponded to the municipality of Comondú, with a value of 54.04. Epidemiological analyses allow a better local, state and regional understanding of the problem, in order to develop efficient action protocols to face an ophidian accident, as well as to determine the training requirements of medical personnel and establish a support network for the treatment of cases.

A biomass waste evaluation for power energy generation in Mexico based on a SWOT & Fuzzy-logic analysis

Power energy generation in Mexico based on bioenergy is currently insignificant. However, the potential for taking advantage of biomass resources in the country is considerable. This article aims to evaluate the use of biomass waste for the Mexican energy transition in the near future. The methodology starts by identifying sites with biomass waste and establishing the conversion processes needed to produce electricity for each type of biomass. A SWOT analysis was implemented to define the criteria for evaluating all options on the same basis. The opinion of experts in energy systems was collected to assign the priority to each criterion. A fuzzy-logic inference system was formulated to assess the options based on the quality of their attributes. The output obtained from the fuzzy analysis is a sustainability prioritisation of all options. We analysed a case study for the Baja California Sur (BCS) region, and the results show the prioritisation ranking of 24 alternatives regarding the sustainable use of bioenergy in the region and we made a proposal of an indicative plan to introduce bioenergy in the region from now until 2032. If the indicative plan were implemented, 61% of the power demand of BCS could be covered with bioenergy by 2032.

Regionalization of the artisan fisheries in Baja California Sur, Mexico using the social criteria of the fishing cooperatives

Objective: To generate a proposal for regional categorization (regionalization) of fishing villages in Baja California Sur, Mexico, following social and economic fishing criteria. Design/Methodology/Approach: Socioeconomic data on fishing in Mexico are analyzed. This regionalization uses data collected in the field on the conditions of artisanal fishing cooperatives in Baja California Sur, Mexico (BCS). Subsequently a geo-referential methodology linked to a database was applied. Database was re-categorized by nominal or ordinal statistical values, as it was the case for each. ArcView 3.2 Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to obtain the geo-referenced classification. Then, a geostatistical analysis derived from the Kriging tool was applied. Results: We obtained a regional classification of fishing in Mexico, displayed in maps with vector data. The regionalization is of a social nature, it shows a classification of cooperation level at artisanal fishing cooperatives in the fishing towns of northern Baja California Sur (BCS). Limitations/Implications: The lack of socioeconomic data on fisheries in Mexico has been an important limitation to generate a more accurate regionalization of the Mexican coasts. Findings/Conclusions: Analyzing the social and organizational factors of fishing is necessary for the understanding of marine socio-ecosystems in Mexico. These criteria joined to the use of computer tools allowed the regional geo-located categorization of areas with similar characteristics. Whit the use of this methodology the efficiency of the use of Kriging as a multi-specific analysis tool can be verified

Itineraries for charging and discharging a BESS using energy predictions based on a CNN-LSTM neural network model in BCS, Mexico

Renewable energy generation (REG) is irrupting throughout the globe and it points to be the path for a sustainable energy future. Nevertheless, due to their volatile nature, they present a challenge for integrating these intermittent sources into the grid. In this work we present itineraries for charging and discharging two ideal Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), one powered with a solar PV generation system and the other one powered with wind energy. Using predictions for REG and electric demand (ED), based on a hybrid Convolutional Long-Short Time Memory (CNN-LSTM) neural network, we propose accurate itineraries to know when to charge and when to discharge variable REG, in the area of Baja California Sur (BCS) in Mexico, pursuing to reduce the ED in peak hours. The convolution net will extract local features and the LSTM the temporal ones. The proposed itineraries of charge and discharge based on predictions with the hybrid CNN-LSTM model, are compared with itineraries made with a well known benchmark and itineraries based on true observations points of REG. The results show that the integration of two BESS with charging and discharging itineraries based con a CNN-LSTM model, can effectively mitigate two important peaks of the electric demand profile in the studied location.

Reproductive cycle of Calamus brachysomus (Teleostei: Sparidae) in the Central Gulf of California, BCS, Mexico

The Pacific porgy Calamus brachysomus (Lockington, 1880) is exploited for local consumption and commerce in Baja California Sur (BCS). Monthly samples to study its reproductive biology were obtained from the artisanal fishery operating in Santa Rosalía, BCS, Mexico, from July 2015 to July 2016. A total of 265 specimens were analyzed, including 147 females and 118 males. The sexual proportion (1.24F:1M) did not differ from the expected 1:1 proportion (P = 0.08). There were no significant differences between sexes in total length (P = 0.94). Variations in the hepatosomatic index and condition factor indicated that food constituted the main energy source during reproduction, with possible additional use of endogenous reserves originating in the liver during spawning. The gonads histological analysis indicated an asynchronous ovarian development and batch spawning strategy. There were spawning capable females during 11 of the 13 sampled months; the exceptions were February and September, coinciding with minimum and maximum sea surface temperature (SST) values. These results, along with the gonadosomatic index variations, allowed us to conclude that C. brachysomus reproduces over a large part of the year with an activity peak from May to July, in an SST interval of 21 to 28ºC.

Observations of the exchange of ocean waters between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California

Kinematics of seasonal exchanges of mass and heat between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California are described. Results are based on 18 occupations between 1992 and 2013 of a hydrographic section across Pescadero Basin at the mouth of the Gulf and two and a half years (November 2003 to May 2006) of moored velocity and CTD measurements in 130 m of water on either side of the Pescadero Basin. Cyclonic conditions dominated in mid-winter and summer with inflow along Sinaloa and outflow along Baja California Sur (BCS). Advection of warm Gulf waters into the Pacific along BCS in late fall extended the warming along BCS by almost two months compared to Sinaloa; as a consequence, steric heights at BCS were higher, and resulted in near surface transport out of the Gulf of ~ 0.01 m s-1. During warming periods from May through November, coastal trapped waves transported heat into the Gulf along Sinaloa; the trapped wave motions along BCS were about a tenth of the amplitude of those at Sinaloa and contributed little to transport into the Pacific. Poleward monsoon winds were in phase with near-surface geostrophic flows into the Gulf which were about the same magnitude as out flow associated with much stronger equatorward wind. Next to BCS, higher salinity Gulf waters extended to 180 m depth (~26.2 kg m-3) and flow into the Pacific; these waters can be traced to subduction in the mid-Gulf region and, when they reach the Pacific, flow poleward in the undercurrent. If global warming intensifies the overturning Gulf circulation, lower oxygen and higher salinity waters may be advected northward along the continental shelf of North America.

Niveles de ansiedad en pacientes con colitis ulcerativa crónica inespecífica

Introduction. Anxiety can have negative effects on the course of inflammatory bowel diseases such as nonspecific chronic ulcerative colitis (NCUC) since a mechanism has been proposed, relating psychological factors and inflammatory bowel disease. Objective. To identify the relationship between anxiety levels in patients with acute NCUC at the Hospital General de Zona con Medicina Familiar No. 1, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Material and methods. Prospective, longitudinal and analytical study. It was performed at 36 patients with a diagnosis of NCUC from this unit. The Hamilton Anxiety Questionnaire was applied with prior authorization from the ethics committee, research and informed consent from the patients. A statistical analysis of frequencies and percentages was performed for qualitative variables; of central tendency and dispersion in quantitative variables, with determination of Chi 2 in the bivariate analysis Results. Of the 36 with NCUC patients to whom the Hamilton Questionnaire was applied, the ages were 54.2 (SD 14.2) years. Obesity was observed in 44.4%, marital status married in 58.3%, primary education 41.7%, occupation of employees and pensioners 30.6%. NCUC exacerbation table occurred in 61.1%, with moderate to severe anxiety levels of 72.2% without significant association (p=0.141). Conclusion. No significant association was found between anxiety and NCUC, and it could not be corroborated among our population that disease being associated with the presence of exacerbation of the NCUC.

Diversidad y distribución de nematodos fitoparásitos en campos de golf en localidades de Baja California Sur, México

Golf is a tourist attraction in Baja California Sur (BCS), Mexico. However, the quality of its fields is detracted by presenting yellowing and death on tufgrass. Plant parasitic nematodes are one of the main limitations around the world. However, in BCS, its presence is unknown. In order to determine the diversity and distribution of phytonmatodes in golf courses in BCS, soil samples were collected in four courses. Nematode extraction was done using the Baerman funnel technique. Specimens were identified at the genus level and the population in each zone was quantified. The genera Meloidogyne, Helicotylenchus, Criconema, Xiphinema, Pratylenchus, Tylenchus, Hoplolaimus and Trichodorus were associated with the death of tufgrass with significant variations (p<0.05) in populations. These results are the first records of these genera in the golf courses evaluated, useful in the development of in the State.

Anti-infective properties of medicinal plants from the Baja California peninsula, Mexico for the treatment of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. basilici in organic sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Certified-organic farming systems in Baja California Peninsula and Northwest Mexico are nationally and globally recognized, especially due to the production of vegetables and aromatic herbs under protected agriculture systems. Based on the background of some species of the flora of Baja California Sur (BCS) to inhibit a diversity of microorganisms, the effect of 22 medicinal plants of the region was explored to know the in vitro activity against the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. basilici isolated from basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). The plants processed as crude ethanolic and aqueous extracts were analyzed in duplicate (three replicates) evaluating the inhibition of mycelial growth and spore germination. In mycelial inhibition test, all plants extracts (1000 mg L-1) showed an effectiveness of 11 to 40% to inhibit F. oxysporum. The most effective plant extracts according to 50% effective inhibition dose (ED50), were Larrea tridentata, Hymenoclea monogyra and Lippia palmeri with an ED50 of 220, 303 and 3000 mg L-1, respectively. Tukey’s PostHoc tests indicated that H. monogyra and L. tridentata are ten times (ED50 <300 mg L-1) more effective than L. palmeri (ED50 3000 mg L-1). In addition, the dose-response trend analyzes according to the logarithmic-logistic model (drc packages), showed the maximum slope values ​​between 100 and 1000 mg L-1. In the spore germination inhibition tests, most ethanolic extracts (5000 mg L-1) showed an effectiveness between 21 and 80%. The results of this study demonstrated that the inhibitory potential of these plants used in BCS traditional medicine are a viable alternative for the control of F. oxysporum f. sp. basilici in organic basil production systems. Highlights 22 medicinal native plants from the Baja California peninsula can effectively inhibit (in vitro) oxysporum f. sp. basilica. The most effective species were Larrea tridentata, Hymenoclea monogyra and Lippia palmeri with a mycelial growth inhibition (ED50) of 220, 300 and 3000 mg L-1, respectively. In vitro effectiveness of Fusarium-growth inhibition of medicinal plants of BCS were in ED50 ranges from 220 to 3000 mg L-1. Creosote bush (L. tridentata) extract at a dose of 5000 mg L-1 can inhibit the fungal sporulation by up 80%. The ethanol-aqueous extract of the medicinal plants of BCS have the potential to be used for long-term control of the fusariosis disease in basil.

Satisfacción del visitante a partir de los atributos de pueblos mágicos del noroeste mexicano

El objetivo es estimar los determinantes del nivel de satisfacción del visitante a partir de atributos en cuatro Pueblos Mágicos (PM) ubicados en la región noroeste de México, Todos Santos y Loreto de Baja California Sur (BCS), El Rosario y Cosalá de Sinaloa. Método: Se adaptó el Modelo de Satisfacción del Turista (MST) de la Secretaría de Turismo de México (SECTUR) y se apoya en la estimación de un modelo Probit bivariado como el enfoque econométrico adecuado para modelar conjuntamente la satisfacción general y la satisfacción de cada atributo a partir de la aplicación de 384 encuestas. Resultados: De acuerdo a la MST el índice de satisfacción de El Rosario es de 7.6, Cosalá de 8.5, Loreto de 8.5 y Todos Santos 8.4. Las variables independientes que conforman los bloques del perfil del turista, los motivos del viaje, experiencia de los servicios, percepción de los servicios y estadía y gasto fueron predictores significativos para los dos tipos de satisfacción. Conclusiones: Los visitantes acuden a PM para pasar el tiempo con fines de esparcimiento, tranquilidad y conocimiento de los lugares por ser atractivos naturales y turísticos. Los sitios estudiados tienen diversas áreas de oportunidad en aspectos como la seguridad, transporte y servicios de recreación. Asimismo, no necesariamente los sitios con mayor afluencia son aquellos donde se evalúa mejor los atributos analizados.

Challenges of Whale Watching and Swim With Dolphins in Mexico

Mexico is one of the top 10 whale-watching destinations in the world. The target species for “whale watching” (WW) are the gray whale, blue whale, humpback whale, and fin whale; the target species for “swim with dolphins” (SWD) are the bottlenose dolphin, spotted dolphin, spinner dolphin, and killer whale. WW has an increment of 666% income, 94% of trips, and 51% in the jobs generated in the last 11 years. Although Mexican legislation to regulate WW appears to be well designed, the great challenge is applying this normative in the field. In particular, it has been observed that surveillance and enforcement of normative differ significantly whether WW has carried out within a Marine Protected Area (MPA) or area without such designation. WW of gray and blue whales in El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve and Bahía de Loreto National Park, respectively, is developed within the MPAs. They are considered examples of acceptable WW practices. In contrast, in places without protected status as Puerto Vallarta, Jal., and Los Cabos, Baja California Sur (BCS), the WW practices have different problems related to boats’ presence without permission as sport fishing boats, private boats, and jet skis that do not respect WW guidelines. On the other hand, creating normativity or policies to regulate SWD in Mexico represents a current challenge. It is also a challenge to promote that local communities are involved in carrying out WW and SWD and are included in granting permits and the jobs and benefits of the economic spillover that these tourist activities generate.

Mercury concentrations in Baja California Sur fish: Dietary exposure assessment

Total mercury concentrations ([THg]) in muscle were determined in commercial finfish and elasmobranchs from Baja California Sur (BCS), Mexico to evaluate dietary Hg exposure for BCS communities, including the relationship of trophic ecology, length and mass with [THg] that might drive future consumption advice (e.g., recommend limited consumption of large fish for some species). The [THg] ranged from 0.06 to 528.02 μg kg−1 ww in finfish and 17.68–848.26 μg kg−1 ww in elasmobranchs. Relative to the consumption threshold set for predatory fish in Mexico, all species had a concentration below 1000 μg kg−1 ww. As expected, 16 (4.02%) and 75 (18.84%) individual fish were above advisory thresholds of 500 and 200 μg kg−1 ww, respectively. The hazard quotients (HQs) in most species were significantly <1.0, only banded guitarfish showed a significant median HQ > 1.0. Thus, the relative level of risk of high Hg exposure is low for most species.