Protection or Exclusivity? BCS Congress Requests Revocation of Orca Watching Permits for Foreigners

The management of natural resources in Baja California Sur is back at the center of the legislative spotlight. This April 2026, the State Congress issued a strong exhortation to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) to revoke permits granted to foreign citizens for orca whale watching and swimming activities. The move, which has sparked intense debate, comes after allegations of alleged abuse of authority and improper exercise of functions by the federal authorities responsible for issuing such authorizations.

The controversy is primarily centered in the La Ventana region, which in August 2025 became the first area in Mexico to have a "Type Management Plan" to regulate interaction with the *Orcinus orca*. Local deputies argue that priority for these permits should be given to South Californian operators and service providers who have traditionally lived in and cared for these waters. According to the Congress's stance, granting permits to foreigners not only displaces local economic benefits but has also been carried out under administrative processes that lack transparency.

In addition to the orca issue, the legislative session included a petition to the Mayor of La Paz to suspend the implementation of the Urban Development Plan (PDU) in the areas of Las Playitas, Todos Santos, and El Pescadero. Legislators contend that the growth of these communities must be thoroughly reviewed to avoid irreversible environmental impacts, reflecting a growing trend in the state to regain control over territorial development and the use of wildlife.

This action by the Congress sets a precedent in the defense of state sovereignty over its natural attractions. While Baja California Sur positions itself as a world-class destination for nature tourism, local authorities seem determined to ensure that the rules of the game favor locals and punish any administrative irregularities. The ball is now in SEMARNAT's court, as it must respond to these questions in a climate of increasing demand for fairer and more ethically regulated tourism.