Why do you always get so defensive? You always freak out anytime something you say is questioned and not taken as gospel. I didn't accuse you of anything, I said I'm not convinced that your interpretation of the rules (everything is interpreted, that's why there are courts... even in Mexico) is correct, and quite frankly it doesn't matter how many times you repeat it or pull rank or whatever, I'll need to see a verifiable independent source to be convinced.
You pointed to the park's website homepage, in Spanish. That's like me saying that divers in Texas must have health insurance then pointing to texas.gov and saying there you go. Are you saying you know for a fact this rule about diving with a guide is in that website? Have you actually seen it there? Can you point to the specific page? I know a little Spanish and know many who are fluent but trying to search for something that may not exist is pointless.
It just seems odd that if the park is concerned about this rule that they tell all the dive shops but make no effort to tell anyone else. It would be like having no speed limit signs on the roads, no info on speed limits given to tourist info sites or hotels, and making no effort to make tourists aware of speed limits. Then giving the speed limits just to the taxi drivers and expecting the tourists who rent cars to know and abide by the speed limits. If what you say is indeed true, then the park service is doing the most pisspoor job imaginable. The most important thing to do in any conservation effort is to GET THE WORD OUT.
As for shore diving, a diver that is diving from shore on their own is a diver that is not on a charter boat paying a dive op. So you DO have a vested interest that people not shore dive. Whether you ACT on that interest or not is another matter. I never said you did. Are you capable of comprehending the difference between having a financial incentive to support/oppose something and actually supporting/opposing it?
Most of your post doesn't warrant a response. You chose to interpret my post as defensive....and it was not. The only person that seems to be freaking out here is you. I'm perfectly fine, as I was this morning when I posted the information that I know to be fact.
However, yes, I know for a fact that this rule exists. Have I seen it in writing in the marine park literature? Yes I have in my Marine Park permit for my boats...that is not a document that is online. It is also clearly stated and was discussed during my five day marine park course that I took seven years ago and recently renewed. Whether this rule is actively or consistently enforced is an entirely different issue.
If my word doesn't convince you, then perhaps you should do your own research to find the information you seek. I have provided you with my sources as well as the information to verify for yourself, but I am not obligated to do anything more than that. You either believe me or you don't.
Why haven't they made this known to the hotels, etc.? I guess you would have to ask the hotels or marine park about that...because as far as I know and have observed, every hotel that is within marine park boundaries does provide this information. Additionally, at every public beach club and hotel beach within park boundaries, you will see a marine park sign indicating that you are within marine park boundaries. I believe it also indicates that there is a fee, but honestly...I haven't read the signs in too long to remember what they say exactly.
I can also tell you that I regularly attend marine park meetings and have been a volunteer for the marine park for six years, although not as active this past year due to my heavy workload. (reef clean-ups, damage studies after the hurricanes, fish counts, etc.)
As far as your offensive remarks regarding my comprehension or lack thereof regarding financial incentives, that was just uncalled for and doesn't justify a response.
