Beached Whale Saved in Nayarit
Tara A. Spears
It was a dramatic rescue that had a thrilling result: the Gray Whale that was stranded on a sandbar was freed after three days of intense effort by fishermen, government agencies, and the Mexican Marines. When local fishermen first recognized that the whale was struck and struggling, they immediately tried to help and tried to lift it to no avail. It is unusual for a whale to strand in Nayarit but this week one was stuck on a sandbar during low tide near the coastal village of Palmar de Cuaulta canal which is about 45 minutes north of the port of San Blas. A whale of approximately 10 meters became trapped and that prompted a large-scale response from authorities, residents and fishermen to help the animal return to the sea.
In recent years beached whales have captured the attention and concern of people around the world. These majestic creatures, often found stranded along shorelines, evoke a mixture of curiosity, empathy, and urgency for their well-being. To add urgency to the situation is the fact that the Gray Whale is endangered in Mexican waters. How long any stranded cetacean can survive depends on several environmental factors, but there is a need to get it released as soon as possible. This dire situation induced empathy, respect for nature, and a cooperative effort by humans to save this whale. The rescue efforts lasted for three days to keep the whale alive and get it into deeper water.
From day one, PROFEPA Nayarit, (Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection), and local volunteers worked to keep the whale’s skin moist and raise it up. Unfortunately, the whale was in water only about a meter deep. Its great weight prevented the fishermen from towing it out to sea so the Mexican Navy sent a larger vessel to help out. Efforts were successful to refloat the whale and guide it to a deeper area within the channel. However, during the maneuvers, the whale’s size and the force of the current caused the mooring lines used to guide it to break, causing the whale to drift back into shallow water and become stranded again in the Agua Brava lagoon. The rescue workers were devastated but didn’t give up. The rescue efforts immediately resumed, and the whale was freed again at approximately 8:00 p.m., after which it was once more guided back to the open sea. This time, the whale managed to free itself from the mooring lines and began to move on its own toward the mouth of the canal, heading out to sea. Finally, the animal was able to swim away safe and sound, to the delight of everyone present.
They did it! After a tremendous effort that lasted three days, the whale that was in danger off the coast of Nayarit was rescued safe and sound. This miracle at sea would not have been possible without the extraordinary teamwork and collective will. The success of the operation was due to the perfect coordination between: Members of the Navy, who contributed their experience and equipment; PROFEPA personnel, ensuring the animal’s well-being at all times; the local fishermen, whose knowledge of the sea was key; and the committed citizens from area towns, who didn’t hesitate to join in the effort.
This week the story had a happy ending. But we need to have rescue protocols in place before the next time. What happened in Nayarit offers another reflection: those that are concerned about the ocean and its inhabitants, as well as the agencies tasked with defending the sea life need to be alert and prepared because the oceans are changing. Cases of disoriented, sick, or trapped marine animals near human areas are becoming increasingly common. Scientists warn that climate change, marine pollution, and the alteration of ocean currents caused by humans could be behind these behaviors.
In this emergency situation, it was citizens, authorities, and volunteers that came together to save a life. Protecting wildlife should be a priority for all. “The whale teaches us that our ocean is alive, rich, and filled with incredible creatures.” Jean-Michel Cousteau
Airport Expansion Redefines its Tourist Future: PVR Takes Off
Tara A. Spears
For many people their welcome to Mexico occurs at the Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). This compact airport is easy to navigate and is a convenient aerial gateway to the sunny paradise of Puerto Vallarta and the picturesque coast of Riviera Nayarit. This modern, active airport serves as the starting point for hundreds of thousands of tourists eager to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Mexican hospitality and enjoy the golden beaches and turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. Located just a few kilometers from the city center, it offers convenient access to the region’s best resorts and attractions.
Puerto Vallarta International Airport serves a large part of the state of Jalisco and Nayarit making it one of the busiest in Mexico. In addition to domestic flights, it operates regular and seasonal international destinations in the United States, Canada and Europe. The airport is also home to facilities for the Mexican Army and supports various tourism, flight training, and general aviation activities. Currently, the airport faces challenges such as overcrowding and congestion due to the continued increase in passenger demand. The airport connects travelers to 52 destinations, including 13 domestic and 39 international that are served by 24 airlines.
In the 1990s, PVR airport transitioned from an undersized coastal landing strip to a major international tourist hub. The decade was marked by crucial capacity upgrades, rising international passenger traffic, and the eventual privatization that shaped its modern management.
Seasonal resident, Nancy Hess remembers, “I first came to the Puerto Vallarta airport in 1960. I came in my dad’s private plane. There were no international commercial flights or a terminal. I remember the control tower was very interesting to my dad because it had a “butterfly” roof.” The present-day two-story terminal is attractive and clean. A variety of facilities are located in the vicinity of the passenger terminal, including civil aviation hangars, courier and logistics companies, and cargo services.
Presently, PVR has Concourse A (Gates 1-5A) which serves domestic flights and includes waiting areas with shops, concession stands and a VIP lounge. Concourse B is located in a satellite building connected to the main terminal by a long walkway. This lounge serves international flights, primarily from American and Canadian airlines. It offers seating areas, concession stands, restaurants, a VIP lounge and duty-free shops. The satellite has 15 gates (gates 6-20B) spread over two floors, and those on the upper deck are equipped with aircraft bridges. All international airlines operate from this area.
With the completion of the second terminal in 2027, the compact airport will the number of gates significantly. (Note lead diagram) These modernizations allow the airport to strengthen its status as a key transport hub for the entire coast of Jalisco state and the southern part of Riviera Nayarit by welcoming millions of travelers annually.
The expansion of the airport officially began in 2022 with construction of a new Terminal 2. The terminal is projected to cover more than 68,000 square meters (730,000 square feet), with significant expansions resulting in an increase from 9 to 16 remote boarding gates and from 11 to 19 boarding bridges. The development also includes improvements to parking facilities and the establishment of a new bus terminal. Terminal 2 is expected to handle 4.5 million passengers annually and aims to become the first airport in Latin America to be certified as NET Zero, according to Academia Lab.
One of the project’s most notable aspects is its commitment to environmental sustainability. The new Puerto Vallarta Terminal is designed to be the first in Latin America to seek “Net Zero” certification, a standard that aims to reduce carbon emissions to zero. This ecological focus is not only a distinctive feature but also reinforces Puerto Vallarta’s image as a responsible and environmentally friendly tourist destination.
The expansion of Puerto Vallarta Airport is more than just an engineering project; it is a long-term investment in the bi-states’ future. With a modern and sustainable infrastructure, Puerto Vallarta is preparing to welcome more travelers, solidifying its position as one of Mexico’s most important and efficient gateways to the world. It is a modern and super clean airport that is easy to navigate.
Tara A. Spears
In the heart of Mexico’s Pacific coast lies the captivating region of Nayarit. A place where pristine beaches meet lush, mountainous landscapes. Amidst this natural beauty, Nayarit’s specialty coffee is quietly making a name for itself. Nayarit’s coffee heritage is a story that dates back generations. The region’s coffee journey began in the late 19th century when it was introduced by European settlers who realized that Nayarit’s microclimates were ideal for coffee cultivation. Since then, the cultivation of coffee has become ingrained in the culture and traditions of Nayarit’s communities that is passed down through families and celebrated as a source of pride.
Coffee is grown here at an altitude of 1200-1500 meters. Most of the mountains are volcanic areas and the soil is volcanic ash. The high altitude and fertile volcanic soil of Nayarit- with 2,300 coffee growers- give birth to the smooth taste and moderate acidity of coffee beans. Mexico is also one of the largest producers of organic certified coffee, most of which is sold to the United States due to the ease of distribution. The country’s coffee industry is mainly planted in Arabica varieties. More than 2 million of Mexicans depend on coffee for a living, and 75% of Mexican coffee farmers grow coffee on less than two hectares of land. In Nayarit, coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s a connection to the land, the people, and the history of the state.
Today, Mexico produces coffee grains of the highest quality, since its topography, altitude, climate, and soil allow it to cultivate and produce wide varieties that are classified among the best in the world. The two generic varieties that are produced in Mexico are the “Arabica” and “Robusta” grains. Of the first type, around 120 varieties are grown in Mexico. In fact, coffee is one of the main agricultural export products, accounting for about half of agricultural exports and about 5 percent of total Mexican exports. The coffee growing industry also exerts a great socioeconomic influence.
The coffee growers have worked together for over a century to promote Mexican produced coffee and the trend in recent years has been joining a cooperative, Grupo Terruño Nayarita, that has organized the small farms of sustainable coffee production based in Nayarit, Mexico. Grupo Terruño Nayarita is a collection of farmers who are producing consistent quality, socially and environmentally responsible, internet traceable coffee from Nayarit, Mexico.
This organization consists of nearly 400 coffee producers that are grouped into eight producing societies. The original member farmers have been cooperating for over 20 years. Grupo Terruno Nayarita has exported 147 containers of specialty coffee since 2006 with internet traceable barcodes and serial numbers on every bag. In addition to growing a superior quality of Mexican coffee, 30% of the Nayarit group members are women! Being a member of this group is a wonderful means for the small family operated coffee growers to get help marketing and distributing their coffee crop to get a better price.
Nayarit coffee is one of the best, with more than 150 years of tradition that introduced the first plantations in the Malinal region and continue through the efforts of those desendents and indigenous farmers. Thus, the peaks of Huicicila in Compostela are one of the most important areas in terms of coffee production in Mexico, with medium and sophisticated flavors and aromas.
This week on May 12, two important events affected the course of growing coffee in Nayarit: The Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) officially presented the Denomination of Origin declaration for “Café Nayarit,” recognizing the state as a producer of coffee with a unique identity and quality. But that wasn’t all, Nayarit was also awarded a Guinness World Record for gathering more than a thousand people at a masterclass on coffee. The state governor accepted the awards and all the media joined in celebrating the achievements in headlines. For many coffee workers and producers, this recognition represents something bigger than a title: putting Nayarit on the international coffee map and opening new opportunities for thousands of families that depend on this activity.
Locally, most stores selling food carry the local Nayarit grown brands as well as the area coffee shops. Expresso 89 Coffee Shop, owned by Evelyn Banuelos and hubby Yisus Glez, located in La Penita Centro, Bahía de Guaymas #8, proudly serves Nayarit grown coffee in many delicious blends. Another Penita coffee shop that is also produces the coffee it sells, is just past the Avenida. “At Café Occidente (on highway 200 north of the bus station,) we are a family business that harvests our coffee at the summit of Huicicila in the municipality of Compostella. Our coffee is organic and high-altitude grown,” said Sra. Jimenez.
Coffee… perfect for lifting your spirits and energy in the morning as well as enjoying a pleasant chat, coffee has become an everyday essential delight. Its characteristic taste and penetrating aroma have earned it a good place in all homes and routines around the world. Nayarit grown organic beans reflects in each cup the passion, tradition and coffee excellence of our region. When savoring a cup of Nayarit coffee, every moment becomes a true taste experience.
Mango Crop Plummets
Tara A. Spears
My awareness of the problem started in January when my eyes weren’t itching and I didn’t need to take allergy medicine.
Normally, I have a strong reaction to the mango tree (Mangifera indica) buds and suffer for the three months it takes to develop its fruit. I first read a report in early March and by April it was officially an agricultural crisis: more than 70% of Nayarit mango trees did not bear fruit. That means no mango harvest, no lush, fresh mango fruit in the local stores and very little fruit available for juice, jams, export. It is an immediate, huge hit to the local economy.
Mango is much more than an export product; it is the direct livelihood of thousands of day laborers, transporters and small landowners. According to the government census, the collapse of mango production directly compromises the income of seven thousand mangueros in the state, who lose salary due to lack of mangos. The scarcity of the fruit is already being felt where incomes have decreased in the same proportion as the harvest. Nationally, nearly half a million workers are involved in mango production. The unprecedented drop in product has a detrimental affect on the local economy in the face of a harvest that was substantially reduced compared to previous yields of the region.
Shockingly, Nayarit, the third largest producer of mango, lost 154,000 tons of mangoes due to lack of flowering in the face of a warm winter, plummeting production and generating potential situation for possible outbreaks of pests in abandoned mango orchards in the region. Immediately, the Ataulfo mango cost went from $300 to $450 pesos per box, according to El Universal.
The mango industry in western Mexico is going through one of its most critical period in recent years. In Nayarit, a key state for domestic supply and exports, the harvest has dropped dramatically, leaving thousands of families in uncertainty. According to the most recent reports from the state-run agricultural sector, production has fallen to just 30% of what was recorded last year. Of the 220,000 tons obtained in the previous cycle, only about 66,000 tons are currently projected, which represents an unprecedented economic blow to the region.
Despite the magnitude of the losses, the technical community still does not have a definitive scientific opinion. Specialists continue to analyze samples from the orchards to determine the exact cause of this anomaly. However, the main hypothesis given by the experts points to atypical climatic factors that would have interrupted the natural cycle of the mango tree. For you, as a consumer or person interested in the sector, it is important to know that this situation will raise the prices of the fruit in the domestic market due to limited supply.
When you decide to treat yourself to the succulent taste of mango, take care to choose the best fruit at the market. Although not an absolute, according to Allrecipe, there are several things to look for when selecting mangos. Don’t let color cloud your judgment. Mangoes come in many colors (not to mention sizes and shapes), based on their particular variety, so the hue won’t be the most helpful indicator of a ripe fruit. You may hear that a rosy or red spot visible on the skin is a determiner, but it really isn’t.
Give the mango a gentle squeeze. It should give way slightly. If it’s firm and solid, like trying to squeeze a rock, it’s unripe. Conversely, if it gives too much, feels soggy in your hand, or has a bunch of overly soft spots, it’s gone too far.
Give the fruit a sniff. A ripe mango will have a fruity smell at its stem side, but if it’s beautifully ripe, the whole thing will be quite aromatic. Look to detect a hint of sweetness; if it’s piney, toss it back on the pile.
Caution for those that are sensitive to poison ivy: Don’t touch the sap if you come across it on the outside of the mango. It’ll likely give you a painful itchy rash like the ivy will, since mangoes are related to that plant.
The mango is one of the most commonly eaten fruits worldwide due to its sweetness and nutrictional benefits. Let’s hope that this ‘king of fruits’ can overcome the challenges of changing climate to survive.
Patron Saint Festival: Tradition that Endures
Tara A. Spears
La Peñita de Jaltemba, a charming coastal town in the Riviera Nayarit, is famous not only for its beaches and hospitality, but also for its vibrant festivals that celebrate local culture and traditions. What makes these festivities so special is that it is a reflection of the rich heritage of the region, where music, dance, and gastronomy intertwine to offer exciting activities to residents and visitors.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of tradition, culture, and fun. The schedule of activities is not finalized at this time but I will post it as it becomes available. The patron saint festivities of La Peñita de Jaltemba this year are May 12-20. These 9 days are in honor of the Virgin of the Rosary of Talpa, with the participation of families, pilgrims and visitors who keep alive one of the most deeply rooted traditions of the region. While more secular than 50 years ago, the aim of the festival is to recognize and pro
mote the expression of faith and popular culture that strengthen the identity of the towns in our municipality. Highlights of the event are the pilgrimages/parade downtown; live music performances; folkdance, games plus food and cold beer. A spectacular Bull riding event with band requires a ticket but all other activities are free.
Music, dance, and fireworks are essential in the festivities of La Peñita de Jaltemba. During the celebrations, concerts are organized in which local and national artists participate. The musical genres range from traditional Mexican music to contemporary rhythms. In addition, folk dances are a fundamental part of the festivities, with groups dressing up in traditional costumes and performing choreographies that tell stories of the local culture. Among the delicacies you can find, the following stand out: Ceviche: Prepared with fresh fish and accompanied by lemon, onion and chiles. Birria, a goat meat stew, seasoned with spices and served with tortillas can be topped off by traditional desserts like guava empanadas and the very popular fritters.
The tradition of venerating through a festival has been present since pre-Hispanic times, since some elements of nature such as the Sun, the Moon, the rain or the air were turned into gods and a certain devotion was expressed around their figure. Dr. Galicia Gordillo explains in her article, Patron Saint Festivities. Spaces of expression and religious syncretism, that this occurred because “form, meaning and function were imprinted on nature to maintain communication links with it and to be able to understand it”. The patron saint festivities since the arrival of the Spaniards typically have an interweaving of cultural beliefs.
The popularity of the patron festivals can be explained as more than faith. When the people in a small towns come together to hold a patron saint festival, they are shaping a territorial space, an identity, a belonging and even an economic and social function. Hence one component of the festival is that the Virgin is paraded through the town to spark devotion and for the faithful to highlight their belonging. Participating in the parade symbolically confirms that these people belong to the church. It’s like an identification of kinship.
The only con to the festival is the daily inclusion of fireworks. Dust off your earplugs and tranquilize your pets to minimize the aggravation. It is this element that distinguishes the festival from the NOTB county fairs.
Whether you attend to savor the tradition or wish to affirm your faith, the Patron Saint Festival of Penita de Jaltemba in honor of the Virgin of the Rosary of Talpa has something enjoyable for all ages.
One of the best ways to enjoy the festivities is by immersing yourself in the local culture. Participate in the dances, taste the food, and don’t hesitate to interact with the residents. They will be happy to share their traditions and customs with you. Attending the fairs and cultural events will allow you to appreciate the richness of the heritage of the Peñita de Jaltemba and experience the real Mexico.
Tara A. Spears
The recent presence of jellyfish in the shallow waters of Jaltemba Bay have caused injuries to swimmers and a posting of the purple beach flag. While jellyfish live in the Eastern Pacific year-round, changes in their food source, changes in water temperature, and shifting of the ocean currents affect the concentration near the beach. Jellyfish stings are a common nuisance for beachgoers, ranging from mildly irritating to potentially life-threatening. Knowing what to do in case you are stung by ocean wildlife is a good precaution. Rinse immediately, clean with vinegar, and call +52 327 274 3578 to request paramedic assistance.
Jellyfish are mucus-like marine organisms that can be found in various parts of the ocean. From warm to cold regions of the ocean, from the deep water to the surface, intercontinental to coastal beaches, jellyfish can thrive in many types of environment. They look different from other marine organisms as they do not have skin or bones. Jellyfish consist of a shaped body with many undulating tentacles. Although they have no brain or body, Jellies are extremely intelligent. As an omnivore, Jellyfish feed on fish, shrimp, crabs, and tiny plants. Other similar sea animals are the Portuguese Man of War. These nearly invisible creatures have a distinctive feature of tentacles covered with tiny stinging cells that they use to catch prey as they drift through the water column. It is these nematocysts with venom that cause pain.
Although jellyfish do not purposely attack humans, and most jellyfish stings occur as more of an irritation to swimmers than a real danger, box jellyfish stings are the exception to that. The deadliest jellyfish in the world is the box jellyfish, of which there are around 50 species. Fortunately, these super toxic types are not present in Jaltemba Bay waters.
The discovery of jellyfish diversity in the tropical Eastern Pacific has implications that extend far beyond simply numbering the sub-species: Understanding the true variety of these creatures is essential for several practical reasons: Jellyfish have critical roles in marine ecosystems as booth predator and prey. Their blooms can affect fish populations, and their movements transport nutrients through different ocean layers. Jellies have economic importance because in parts of Asia, jellyfish are a commercial fishery. Lastly, jellies are important climate change indicators. Jellyfish populations are sensitive to environmental changes, making them potential indicators of ocean health and climate change impacts states Mexican Marine Life.
Local paramedic, Jessica Aquilar Torres said, “We have had calls this week involving all three types of sea life, but mostly manta ray stings. A stingray sting is identified as a laceration, and the area where the stinger penetrated turns dark, almost black. It’s usually on the lower leg, as stingrays are found in the sand. The pain is very intense. The most effective thing is to immerse the affected area in hot water at a temperature that soothes it, apply lidocaine, an anesthetic, and keep clean. In both marine wildlife injuries, the main thing is to make sure it doesn’t cause an allergic reaction (respiratory difficulty). If that happens, you would need to go to the hospital without delay.”
Jellyfish, those pulsating, translucent creatures that sometimes wash up on beaches, represent some of the ocean’s most misunderstood inhabitants. They play crucial ecological roles as both predator and prey, helping maintain the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Be cautious when swimming in the ocean to avoid coming in contact with one. Jellyfish remind us: even without a backbone, you can still move through the deepest oceans.