One of the most attractive and interesting shark species of the more than 360 existing, is the Mako Shark, which on average measures 2.70 meters although there are those up to almost 4.50 meters long.

They can live up to 36 years of age and are considered the fastest shark in the world moving at a speed of up to 70 kilometers per hour.

It is currently possible to have a close sighting under the sea with this species in certain places like Los Cabos, Baja California Sur.

Clara Calatayud, Marine Biologist. Mexico Blue Foundation:

“… New Zealand, the United States, Mexico and South Africa are visited due to the great interest that the Mako arouses as an emblematic species.”

 

Estrella Navarro, Marine Biologist and Environmentalist:

“The Mako Shark is getting to be known more and more in ecotourism. There are people who travel directly to places where Mako Shark observation takes place especially to see it, here in Los Cabos… It is a unique experience, magical, highly recommended and because we are not really shark prey, they do nothing to us. I have swum with them several times and it’s incredible ...”

Jacobo Brunetti, Cabo Shark Dive:

"Here in Cabo let's say 20-25 minutes, I’m talking about 2 nautical miles, between 2 and 3 nautical miles from shore ..."

 

To have an underwater close encounter with this shark, first, you have to be mainly calm and follow certain rules.

Estrella Navarro, Marine Biologist and Environmentalist:

"... Maintain keeping eye contact between you and your friends with the sharks and never, not with Mako Shark or with any other wild species, never behaving as prey, do not be scared, do not escape, don't swim quickly to the opposite side. These are basic safety rules when interacting with any wildlife ...”

 

Due to commercial fishing its population has declined 46.6%.

Estrella Navarro, Marine Biologist and Environmentalist:

"Mexico exports a lot of Mako Shark fin ... one of the main consumers in Asia, is China and well this global consumption of Mako Shark has led it to be in danger of extinction ..."

 

It has been shown that a live shark is worth more, than a dead shark.

Estrella Navarro, Marine Biologist and Environmentalist:

 "... Not only is it leaving an income to Los Cabos and places where this activity is done directly by ecotourism ... tour operators also give the fisherman by buying other species that are much more sustainable "

Jacobo Brunetti, Cabo Shark Dive: “…local fishermen with us receive during high season, around 200 to 250 dollars a day, with bait we buy… currently they earn 400 pesos per kilo of shark fins and it doesn’t suit them at all because they spend a lot on gas and it’s much more dangerous… ”

From August 16 to 28, the UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, where a vote proposed by Mexico and backed by 55 countries will take place to rule that Mako Sharks are an endangered species and thus limit its fishing.

Estrella Navarro, Marine Biologist and Environmentalist:

"... For a country to export this shark, it’s going to have to prove that its populations are healthy ..."

 

Clara Calatayud, Marine Biologist, and Mexico Blue Foundation:

"We need the benefits of CITES, sustainability, traceability and legal provenance on a global level."

Globally as a result of commercial fishing, it’s estimated that 100 million sharks die annually for their meat but mainly for their fins that have high value in the Asian markets.

With images by Jacobo Brunetti and Johnny Friday, Allan Cobos and Armando Figaredo

Translation by Tony Perez Dillon