C O A S T F I S H 2004

Transcription

1 C O A S T F I S H 2004 COASTAL FISHERIES IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN Evaluating, Managing y Balancing Actions October 4-8, 2004, Mérida, Yucatán, México REFERENCE GUIDE AND INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS

2 IMPORTANT INFORMATION Sending and receiving complete documents and extended abstracts. The deadline for submitting documents for the conference proceedings (oral and poster presentations) has been extended until the 30th of September, Conference participants may also opt to submit these documents upon registration at the conference. Participants submitting documents should follow the guidelines in the authors guide. Registration and payment of conference fees Early registration (July 15 - September 15, 2004) General $200.0 USD Student $ 75.0 USD Companion $ 75.0 USD Late registration (September 16 - September 30, 2004) General $250.0 USD Student $ 75.0 USD Companion $ 75.0 USD On-site registration at the conference: General $350.0 USD Student $100.0 USD Companion $ USD Note: Companion registration fees apply to family members who accompany conference participants on the trip. If they are interested, companions are welcome to attend conference sessions. Co-authors are not considered companions. In either case, each person attending the entire event and paying the registration fee will have access to everything provided to conference participants (dinner, conference materials, abstract books, and, following the conference, the proceedings). Itinerary Participants are requested to send their travel information to our contact address (type of transportation, day, time, and place of arrival). We will provide airport-hotel transportation on the 3rd and 4th of October. In the event that you will be arriving on a different day, the Mérida airport provides taxis, buses and car rentals (Budget offers a 30% discount to conference participants). Post-Conference Trip Participants interested in taking this trip are advised to please sign up in advance. The fee has been reduced due to outside funding. The actual price of the trip has been reduced to $40.00 USD (See more details ahead). 2

3 CITY OF MÉRIDA WHERE IS IT LOCATED? Mérida is located on the Yucatán peninsula, in the southeastern part of the country. The Yucatán state is bordered on the North by the Gulf of México, along the East and Southeast by the state of Quintana Roo, and on the Southwest by the state of Campeche. The average elevation is nine meters above sea level. The city is located in one of the safest and most tranquil states in México, with a climate similar to that of Florida or Cuba. Yucatecos are laid-back and hospitable people with strong roots and traditions. Our people are very proud of the Mérida, known as "The White City," not only for the predominance of white stone used in construction but also because of the clean streets, plazas, and parks. HISTORY Mérida is the capital of the Yucatán state and is the economic and cultural center of the southeastern part of México. The city was founded on the site of an ancient Mayan settlement known in the region as Ichcaanziho, also called T ho. Mérida was founded on the 6th of January in 1542 by Don Francisco Montejo. The first government of the city was established in 1565 and, in 1821, the city gained independence from Spain along with the rest of the country. The urban development of the city occurred throughout the colonization. The villages of indigenous peoples slowly transformed into neighborhoods with push of population growth. The city remained divided in four neighborhood sections: in the south section is San Sebastian; Santiago and Santa Catarina (today the Centenario Park) are to the East; San Cristobal is part of the western section; and Santa Lucia y Santa Ana are part of the northern section. Mérida is known for its historical architecture and the colonial buildings that characterize this distinct region. POPULATION The municipality of Mérida covers an area of 43,379 km2. The population is 705,055 people, 48% male and 52% female. Youth comprise 64.3% of the city s population. Average annual growth between 1990 and 2000 was 2.41 percent. CLIMATE The tropical climate in Merida is hot and humid. The rainy season is between May and January. The hottest months are between April and May, when the temperature can reach 40 C. In October, the weather is cooler, due to north winds and occasional rain, and temperatures decrease to an average of 28 C. TABLE OF DISTANCES IN KM. TO NEARBY TOURIST DESTINATIONS From Mérida to Km. From Mérida to Km. Campeche 253 Playa del Carmen 389 Cancún 320 Progreso 36 Celestún 93 Río Lagartos 219 Chichen Itzá 120 Tulum 476 Dzibilchaltún 23 Uxmal 80 Loltún 113 Valladolid 160 México, D.F

4 ELECTRICITY The standard current for electricity in Mexico is 110 volts AC. The most common plugs are shown below: SERVICES 1. MONEY AND BANKS The money used in Mexico is the Mexican peso (The symbol for peso = $). Our bills come in various denominations: BILLETES MONEDAS 500 PESOS 20 PESOS 200 PESOS 10 PESOS 100 PESOS 5 PESOS 50 PESOS 2 PESOS 20 PESOS 1 PESO 50 CENTAVOS 20 CENTAVOS 4

5 The majority of commercial establishments accept credit cards. The cards most widely accepted are Visa, MasterCard and American Express. There are many automatic teller machines in the city (ATM) and this is a convenient way to change money. In commercial areas and in banks it is easy to find ATMs open 24 hours a day. The US dollar is the most commonly changed currency in Mexico, however, it is also possible to change other foreign currency such as the Canadian dollar, euro, and yen in Mexican banks (BANAMEX, BVVA-BANCOMER, HSBC, BANORTE, SANTANDER MEXICANO, etc.) and money changing stations (called Casas de Cambio). 2. Shopping and other activities In the center of the city, visitors will find supermarkets, jewelry stores, banks, toy stores, clothing stores, bakeries, discount shopping, bookstores, and many others. The most important shopping plazas are the La Gran Plaza located in the northern part of the city and the Plaza Dorada-Las Americas in the western part. Normal business hours are from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00pm Mérida also offers a great variety of traditional arts and crafts typical of this region and from other states in the republic as well. These items can be found in markets specializing in handcrafts artesanias in the city center. If you would like to find low prices and a large selection of arts and crafts, we recommend the Casa de las Artesanías. It is located on calle (street) 63, number 503, between calle 64 and calle 66 downtown very close to the conference site. 3. Postal Service Post offices are located in the city center (DHL, Estafeta, etc.) that offer national and international service. In addition, there are over 40 express mailbox locations (Buzón Expreso) where customers can send foreign and domestic mail overnight and use bank services. 4. Telephone: Pay phones are located on major streets and avenues, in parks, and in shopping areas. Phone cards for local and long distance calls can be purchased in many small stores and newspaper stands. 5. Air and ground transportation: The international airport in Mérida communicates with the following airlines: Continental Aeroméxico Mexicana Magni Charter Aerocaribe Aviacsa Aerocalifornia Many passenger buses travel from Mérida to the most important cities in the southeast (Villahermosa, Campeche, Cancún, Chetumal) as well to other parts of the country. These buses offer daily departures at regular intervals, most leaving every 30 minutes to an hour: Autobuses de Oriente (ADO) Autobuses UNO Súper Expresso 5

6 CONFERENCE VENUE FOR COASTFISH2004 The conference will be held downtown in the main building of the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY). The building is located on the corner of calle 60 and calle 57, in the city center (see map). It is a beautiful colonial building close to several hotels: Mission Mérida, Caribe, Colon, Del Gobernador and Santa Lucia. You can make your reservations at any these hotels and receive a special conference discount. Nearby, you will find restaurants, arts and crafts shops and other tourist attractions. Edificio Central de la UADY Conference Venue COASTFISH2004 6

7 LODGING The Organizing Committee has made agreements with the following hotels offering discounted prices to conference participants for COASTFISH 2004: Hotel Mission Mérida ( ) *Hotel Caribe ( ) reservaciones@hotelcaribe.com.mx Type of Room Single Doble Single Doble Cost (In US Dollars) Contacts Srita. Nelly Pérez Sr. Ángel Castillo Tel. 52 (999) Fax: 52 (999) Lada Nacional sin costo 01(800) Sr. Jorge Duran Tel. 52 (999) Fax. 52 (999) Lada Nacional sin costo 01(800) Hotel Colon ( ) Lic. Roselia Martínez reservaciones@hotelcolonmerida.com Single Doble Lic. Juan Pablo Chávez Tels. 52 (999) (999) Fax. (999) Hotel del Gobernador ( ) Lada Nacional sin costo 01(800) Srita. Addy Sánchez reservaciones@gobernadormerida.com.mx Hotel Santa Lucia ( ) reservations@hotelsantalucia.com.mx Single Doble Single Doble Tel. 52 (999) Fax 52 (999) Lada Nacional sin costo 01 (800) Tel. (999) (999) Fax. (999) (999) Lada Nacional sin costo LADA Lada Internacional Prices in US dollars (Approximate exchange rate: 1 dollar = 11.0 pesos mexicanos) Hotels offer rooms with air conditioning, TV, cable, telephone, pool, parking, and medical services. *Hotel Caribe. Meal prices: Breakfast ($60.0), Lunch or Dinner ($80.0), All three meals ($160.0). Prices are in Mexican pesos. 7

8 Important notes about Lodging: 1) Participants can make their own hotel reservations by , website, or phone by contacting the person listed in contacts column. 2) If you have any problems or would like help making reservations, please send us a message at coastfish@mda.cinvestav.mx and we ll be glad to help you. 3) When you make your reservation, be sure to mention that you are a conference participant to receive the discounted price. 4) These hotels are located very close to the Edificio Central de la Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán where the COASTFISH2004 conference will take place; all are within walking distance. If you would like to explore other lodging options, you may visit the following website: BENEFITS FOR CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS Conference participants for COASTFISH2004 will enjoy benefits and discounts in the following areas: LODGING The hotels Caribe, Colon, Del Gobernador, Mérida Misión and Santa Lucia will give discount rates our participants. To obtain the discount you must mention you are a participant in COASTFISH2004, show an ID and have in hand the letter stating that your paper/poster was accepted. TRANSPORTATION AVIACSA airlines will give our participants a discount when they buy their tickets, one way or round trip, under the following conditions: Either one way or round trip ticket. Any route to or from Mérida Yucatán. A 15% discount on any "Q", "M" ó "N" ticket rate available at the moment the ticket is purchased. It does not apply for commercial exchanges. Tickets bought with the 15% discount cannot be combined with any other discount or offer, including discounts for minors or senior citizens. It may not be applied to groups. It may apply to frequent flier program AVIACPASS. 8

9 Dates and flights may be changed with an extra charge of $ pesos, tax included, on national flights and $75.00 US plus tax on international flights. Tickets issued with this discount are not TRANSFERABLE or REIMBURSABLE. RESERVATIONS, only at AVIACSA ticket sales offices. You must present an official ID and letter of invitation to the event. VALID ONLY FROM October 2nd TO October 10 th, IMPORTANT NOTICE: Those who wish to take advantage of this discount must give the following code and key (password), when making reservation or buying tickets: CODE: ID15N1 added to the ticket rate (i.e. QID15N1). KEY (PASSWORD): COASTFISH CAR RENTAL BUDGET will give a 30% discount on car rentals. To obtain the discount, show an official ID and the invitation letter to COASTHFISH2004. IMMIGRATION INFORMATION Visas Participants with citizenship in the following countries do not need a visa to enter Mexico. These participants will need a valid passport and a completed immigration form, which is normally distributed at the airport or on the plane a few minutes before arrival. These countries include: Germany, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Chile, South Korea, Costa Rica, Denmark, Slovenia, Spain, USA, Finland, France, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Holland, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay and Venezuela. For participants from other countries, receiving a visa can take quite a long time, several months in extreme cases. Please keep this in mind and contact the Embassy or Consulate for details. If you need help in this process, contact us at coastfish@mda,cinvestav.mx and the Organizing Committee will send a letter of support. 9

10 POST- CONFERENCE TRIP The organizing committee would like to extend an invitation to all COASTFISH participants and their companions to participate in the post-conference trip on October 8 th. This one-day trip will give participants the opportunity to see the physical and biological characteristics of one the most important Biosphere reserves of Mexico: Reserva de la Biosfera Ria Lagartos. We will also visit one of the first marine reserves in Mexico: Reserva Marina Actam Chuleb created by initiative of the inhabitants of the coastal community of San Felipe. Date: Friday, October 8 th, the day after the conference ends Departure Return 7:00 hrs. 21:30 hrs. COST: $40.00 USD or the equivalent in Mexican pesos The cost of this trip is not included in the conference registration fee Initially, the cost of the tip was $ dollars. Thanks to the generous support provided by the Yucatan state government, the price has been reduced to $40.00 dollars. The reduced price ($40.00 USD) includes: Transportation by air-conditioned bus, meals, entrance fees to the reserve, and boat rides. Tickets will be on sale at the registration table at the conference beginning at 6pm on Wednesday, the 6 th of October. Purchase your ticket early to ensure your spot; the trip is planned for a maximum of 40 people and a minimum of 12 people. IMPORTANT: Wear comfortable clothing for the trip (T shirt or cotton blouse, shorts) and bring sunscreen. Take a cap or hat, sunglasses, tennis shoes or sandals, mosquito repellent, swimming suit, and a towel. There will be time for a bit of snorkeling, so if you are interested take your personal gear (mask, snorkel and fins). There are no rental places to obtain the gear. Site characteristics de Ría Lagartos. San Felipe is a fishing community of about 1,800 inhabitants, located 300 Km northeast of Merida city. It is in a coastal area were mangroves and sea grasses are abundant, as well as important commercial fish resources such as groupers, snappers, spiny lobsters, and octopuses. The Actam Chuleb Marine reserve is located 5.5 Km west of San Felipe and is positioned between the two most important protected areas in the region: the Reserva de Dzilam de Bravo and the Reserva 10

11 The marine protected area Actam Chuleb covers a surface of approximately 24 Km2 and was established in 1994, upon request of the community. The reserve protects important habitant and a reproductive zone for important species. In Actam Chuleb there is a small island called El Cerrito where important archeological discoveries of Mayan culture have been made. This trip also offers us the opportunity to see these sites of great natural beauty, as well as visit a beautiful beach and snorkel. We will also visit the Rio Lagartos reserve where we will hike through the ecological path Peten Tucha to observe the flora and fauna of this area. Finally, in the port of San Felipe we will have the opportunity to taste delicious local seafood dishes. Time Program of Activities Activity 07:00 Leave Mérida for San Felipe (at the Conference Site). 10:00 Arrive in San Felipe. Travel to the marine reserve Actam Chuleb and rest at the beach. 13:30 Lunch in San Felipe. 15:00 Leave for the Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Lagartos. 15:30 Arrive in Río Lagartos. Walk along the eco-tourism trail Peten Tucha in the Biosphere Reserve. 18:00 Depart for Mérida. 21:30 Arrive in Mérida ((at the Conference Site). Post Conference Excursions for Friday, Saturday and Sunday Besides the post-conference trip planned by the organizing committee of COASTFISH2004, participants can also take advantage of other travel options to experience the rich culture and archaeology of the Yucatán. These excursions are offered by the tourist agency Turitransmerida. Interested participants should contact the agency directly. There will be a Turitransmerida information stand at the conference event on the 3rd and 4th of October. 11

12 TURITRANSMERIDA TOUR OPERATOR DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES These services are totally the responsibility of the tour operator TURITRANSMERIDA. Prices shown are in Mexican pesos (to convert prices, divide by 11.30). 1 US dollar = pesos. CITY TOUR $ P/P. TRANSPORTATION & GUIDE Explore Mérida. Founded by Francisco de Montejo of Spain on the 6 th of January, Mayans had a great city known as T ho much before the Spanish arrived. The stones from this ancient city were used to create the Sta. Iglesia cathedral, located near to Montejo s house and the Governors and Municipal Palace. Mérida, the White City, is known for the main avenue named after Montejo along which you ll find colonial buildings like Cantón palace and the beautiful monument of La Patria. DEPARTURE RETURN 10:00 a.m. 13:00 HRS. IZAMAL $350.00P/P. INCLUDES TRANSPORTATION, GUIDE & HORSE DRAW CARRIAGE The City of Hills, located in the center of the Peninsula, may be the oldest city in the region. Five pyramids can be found here. Izamal is considered a colonial jewel and all of its buildings are painted yellow. The most important thing to see here is the Franciscan convent that was built on top of Mayan pyramids; stones from the pyramids were used in its construction. The founder Fray Diego of Landa, was infamous for having burned the indigenous scripts (Includes ride in horse drawn carriage; does not include meals). DEPARTURE RETURN 09:00 16:00 HRS. 8 PERSON MINIMUM FOR THIS TOUR ROUTE OF THE CENOTES (YUCATÁN DESCONOCIDO) $ P/P. INC. TRANSPORTATION, GUIDE, OPTIONAL MEAL IN THE HACIENDA. On this route, our first hacienda is Ednakan with its gothic church. Later, we will see the Chuncanan hacienda, where we will board a platform pulled by horses, used in the past to transport the henequén plant. We will visit the cenotes of Chelemtun and Bolonchojol, continuing to Homún we will find our third cenote. On the return trip, we will make a stop at the Tepich de Carrillo hacienda, which also functions as a restaurant. (Meal not included). DEPARTURE RETURN 09:00 18:00 HRS. DZIBILCHALTUN Y PROGRESO $ P/P. TRANSP., AND GUIDE (NO LUNCH) The place known as Writings on the rocks, this Mayan city is located 15 Km to the northeast of Mérida. We will visit the museum, a typical Mayan house, take an ecological walk and visit the pyramids where the Temple of the Seven Dolls stands out from the rest. The 21st of March and September, the equinox is celebrated here. Finally, we will visit the Xlacah cenote. From this interesting site we travel to the port of Progreso to enjoy the waters of the Gulf of México. (Entrance fees into the archaeological zones are included; meals are not included). NOTE: BRING A BATHING SUIT TO SWIM IN THE CENOTE AND AT THE BEACH IN PROGRESO. DEPARTURE RETURN 09:00 16:00 HRS. 8 PERSON MINIMUM TOUR SIZE 12

13 CELESTUN $ TRANSP., GUIDE, FEES, BOAT Y LUNCH (DRINKS NOT INCLUDED) Situated 96 Km. west of Mérida, this fishing port with crystalline waters also has an ecological reserve. Passing through the national park in Celestún by boat, you ll have a chance to discover mangroves, an island of birds, and the pools called Baldiosera and Quinitun. In the reserve, you can see white tailed deer, armadillos, crocodiles, wild turkeys, ducks and an infinite number of birds. You can see flamingos and abundant vegetation typical of the region. DEPARTURE RETURN 09:00 17:30 HRS. UXMAL AND KABAH $ TRANSP., GUIDE, FEES AND FOOD (DRINKS NOT INCLUDED). Located 73 Km from Mérida, this tour demonstrates the art of Puuc in the buildings. Smooth murals ornament the majority of buildings in Uxmal, belonging to the classic Mayan period. Chaac, the rain god, is represented in multiple buildings, including the Governors Palace, the Nuns Quadrangle, and others. After visiting Kabah, where we will find a quadrangle named Codz-pop which means petate enrollado (roll of bedding), the arch, figure head of Chaac, the temple of columns and the witch s house. DEPARTURE RETURN 09:00 16:30 HRS. UXMAL LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW $ TRANSP., GUIDE, FEES AND FOOD. After visiting the archaeological zone, the equipment will be prepared for the light and sound show. During the two hours while this is taking place, guests will have time for dinner. Because show is in Spanish, foreign visitors can rent headsets for translations in various languages (English, French, Italian and German). This cost ($25.00 pesos) is not included. The light and sound show lasts 45 minutes. LEAVE THE SITE SHOW RETURN From Mérida CLOSE BEGINS to MERIDA 13:00 HRS. 18:00 HRS. 20:00 HRS 22:00 HRS LOLTUN CAVES AND PU UC ROUTE $ TRANSP. GUIDE, FEES, (FOOD NOT INCLUDED) Only 90 minutes from the city of Mérida, a chance to see Mayan civilization is waiting for you. Known as the Puuc route, which means hills or mound, the sites include the caves of Loltún, which means flower and stone. 30 Km away is Labná, which means old house, inhabited between the years 750 and 1000 A.C. by a population of 1500 to 2500 people. Today, there are 4 restored buildings with many mounds all around. Among these is the palace with 70 water cisterns, as well as the famous arch of Labná. 17 Km away, we will see X-Lapak, which means old wall. At this site there are 14 mounds and 3 pyramids in the process of reconstruction. On the last 13 km of the route is Sayil, which means The Place of the Ants. Sayil dates back to the years A.C. Here there are 2 buildings known as the palace of Three Floors as well as the observatory. (Food is not included). DEPARTURE RETURN 08:30 18:00 HRS. 8 PERSON MINIMUM TOUR SIZE CHICHEN ITZA $ TRANSPORTATION, GUIDE, FEES AND FOOD (DRINKS NOT INCLUDED) Dating back approximately 1,553 years, these famous Mayan pyramids are located 90 minutes from the city of Mérida. The name Chichen Itzá is derived from the Mayan language: chi is mouth and chen is well. Itzá is the name of the tribe that inhabited the area. The 13

14 site is divided into three areas, the North group, (distinctly Toltec), the central group (from the early period) y and the area known as Old Chichen. We will visit the first two groups. DEPARTURE RETURN 09:00 18:00 HRS. CHICHEN ITZA DROPS OFF CANCUN $ TRANSPORTATION, GUIDE, FEES, FOOD (DRINKS NOT INCLUDED). After visiting Chichen Itzá, visitors will have a meal and the guide will reserve seats on a tour bus and take care of luggage. We will arrive in Cancún between 18:30 and 19:00 hrs, dropping guests off at any hotel either downtown or in the hotel zone. DEPARTURE RETURN 09:00 19:00 HRS. COLONIAL ROUTE OR THE CONVENT ROUTE (FOOD NOT INCLUDED) $ A very important part of the legacy and cultural history of the Yucatán, we will see temples, convents and chapels decorated with multi-colored wooden altar-piece decorated with many images. These buildings were constructed during the XVI and XVII centuries, according to the religious orders established to spread Christianity to native peoples. During this tour, we will visit Acanceh, Tecoh, Chumayel y Maní. (Food is not included). PRIVATE: DEPARTURE RETURN SERVICE 09:00 16:00 HRS. 8 PERSON MINIMUM TOUR SIZE FOR ALL TOURS, CLIENTS WILL BE PICKED UP IN THE LOBBY OF HOTEL IN WHICH THEY ARE STAYING. AFTER ALL TOURS, CLIENTS WILL HAVE FREE TIME TO VISIT SITES ON THEIR OWN AND TAKE PHOTOS. THERE WILL BE TIME ALLOTTED FOR MEALS, EVEN WHEN THEY ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR. CONTACTS Dra. Silvia Salas Márquez MSc. Miguel A. Cabrera Vázquez Tel: (999) Ext. 525 Fax: (999) Correo electrónico: coastfish@mda.cinvestav.mx 14