Conservationists and marine biologists are raising urgent concerns about a proposed “nautical ladder” project in Banderas Bay, warning that increased boat traffic could pose serious threats to whales and other marine species—as well as human safety.
The plan, backed by the Jalisco state government and Puerto Vallarta authorities, aims to improve maritime connectivity by building new piers and marine terminals along the coast. But marine biologist Astrid Frisch Jordán, of Whale Ecology and Conservation A.C. (Ecobac), says the project lacks essential safeguards.
“This will drastically increase the number of boat-whale collisions,” said Frisch Jordán, adding that the most vulnerable are whale calves. So far this season, four whale deaths have been reported in the bay, including one calf and a juvenile severely injured by a boat propeller.
The threat isn’t limited to wildlife. Frisch Jordán cited an incident in Los Cabos where a boat struck a whale, killing one person and injuring others. “This is also a human safety issue,” she said.
Experts are especially alarmed that no environmental impact assessment (EIA) has been presented for the project. “That’s a legal requirement,” Frisch Jordán emphasized. “And the study must include the impacts of increased vessel traffic, not just pier construction.”
Critics argue the project is unnecessary and risky, especially given that existing maritime infrastructure is already in disrepair. They are calling for a comprehensive maritime zoning plan and strict speed limits in sensitive areas.
“This plan, as it stands, is not viable,” said Frisch Jordán. “If we continue down this path, we risk losing what makes Banderas Bay so special—for tourists, for locals, and for the whales themselves.”