As part of the project to restore and protect the Mesoamerican reef system, theRegional Center for Fisheries Aquaculture Research (CRIAP) planted 30,037 coral colonies.

PUERTO MORELOS – Restoration continues for the recovery of ecosystem functions, with the production of 117,842 colonies and transplanting of 30,037 coral colonies to 40 sites in the Mesoamerican reef near Puerto Morelos. More than two million people depend directly on the marine resources of the Mexican Reef System (SAM) for their survival, according to data from the Regional Center for Fisheries Aquaculture Research (CRIAP).

divers plant new coral colonies on puerto morelos reef

In coordination with the State Government and the CRIAP in Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo promotes the recovery of ecosystem functions that help to maintain the benefits provided by the Mesoamerican reef.

Among said benefits are the productive activities of fishing and tourism which will be supported through production of new coral colonies and implementation of strategies for the restoration of reef areas to encourage the recovery of environmental functions.

In 2020, affected by the quarantine situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic that prevented normal operation at the CRIAP facilities in Puerto Morelos, coupled with the climatic adversities that occurred last year, a production of 8,542 coral colonies was recorded.

In 2017, a production of 26,489 coral colonies was achieved, micro-fragmentation of 3442 colonies, clonal spread of 3047 colonies and 20,000 settled sexual recruits.

In 2018, a production of 34,771 coral colonies was achieved, micro-fragmentation of 32,880 colonies, clonal propagation of 808 colonies and multi-pode of 1083 colonies.

In 2019, a production of 48,040 coral colonies was achieved, micro fragmentation of 5,719 colonies, fragmentation of 3,271, clonal propagation of 808 colonies, multi-pode of 23,776 colonies and sexual recruits of 15,274 colonies.

In 2017, the planting of 250 colonies was obtained in one site, in 2018 the planting of 3,334 colonies intervening 12 sites, in 2019 the planting of 24,396 colonies in 20 sites and in 2020 the planting of 4,286 corals in seven sites .

The Mesoamerican Reef System (MBRS) has a unique biodiversity that deserves protection. It provides essential ecosystem services for communities. More than two million people depend directly on the marine resources of the MBRS for their survival.

It has ecosystem functions for coastal communities, such as protecting coasts when heavy storms hit and supporting commercial and local fisheries, local consumption, and tourism.

The production and planting of corals represents one of the best options to renew the integrity of this delicate reef system and to preserve its resources for future generations for the benefit of 1,858,000 inhabitants.

Source: Por Esto