ACEST is an association of entrepreneurs from the whale watching sector in the southwest of Tenerife. ACEST was founded in 2014 and, since then, members have been focusing primarily on the protection and welfare of the local cetacean populations, the impact of excessive nautical activity and the bad practices around the whales and dolphins.
Its objective is to promote the responsible use of the ocean and to ensure the protection and conservation of cetaceans and marine resources. ACEST also collaborates with the Government, academic institutions and other associations related to the study of marine mammals, and good practices outreach actions.
Over the last 6 years, ACEST has had many meetings with the authorities, both regional and national, for better management of whale watching. It has been on the press, media and documentaries, as well as events and workshops. ACEST works with a lawyer to take legal action against offenders and irresponsible activities around the whales. This association has achieved a few important steps in their fight, such as successfully calling on the government to establish a surveillance team and on the Ministry to implement a moratorium on permits issued for commercial whale watching.
ACEST aims to keep growing and gaining power to implement more projects that benefit community and cetaceans.
Helpful links
Apply to become a Wildlife Heritage Area
