Cozumel Activists Protest 4th Cruise Pier on World Oceans Day

Cozumel, Mexico — Environmental organizations and Cozumel residents will hold a protest on Sunday, June 8, to mark World Oceans Day, opposing the construction of a fourth cruise ship pier and advocating for the protection of the Villa Blanca reef and Mantarraya Beach, both considered vital natural areas for the island.

The demonstration is part of a series of community-led actions that have intensified in recent weeks, both on land and at sea, aimed at halting the progress of the port project. Protesters argue that the development threatens marine ecosystems, public spaces, and the quality of life for local residents.

Environmental and Social Concerns

The organization CIMAC (Conservación, Investigación y Manejo Ambiental de Cozumel) has raised concerns about irregularities in the Environmental Impact Statement (MIA) submitted by the project’s developer to Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat). Among the alleged discrepancies are the omission of seagrass beds, the denial of the Villa Blanca reef’s existence, and the downplaying of ecological and social impacts on an island already grappling with water, waste, and drainage management challenges.

On its Facebook page, No al Cuarto Muelle (No to the Fourth Pier), the citizen-led group asserts that the project not only endangers marine life but also exacerbates air pollution from cruise ships. The group claims these emissions lack effective regulation and negatively impact public health during the ships’ stays on the island.

“The island does not need a fourth pier. It needs a new Sustainable Urban Development and Land Use Plan, tailored to its scale and island conditions,” reads one of the group’s posts. Activists are also calling for increased public investment in basic services, healthcare infrastructure, roads, and sanitation.

Additional Protest Activities

In addition to the demonstration, CIMAC plans to host a charity fair to raise funds for independent scientific studies. These studies aim to provide technical support for the opposition to the pier project.

The protest comes amid growing resistance to the expansion of cruise infrastructure in Cozumel, with activists emphasizing the need for sustainable development that prioritizes environmental protection and community well-being.