Bacalar’s Fragile Stromatolites at Risk From Illegal Boats

Bacalar, Quintana Roo — The Laguna de los Siete Colores faces renewed environmental threats as a two-story vessel operated by the tourism agency Coati navigates its waters, promoting tourist swimming in highly sensitive areas, including directly above stromatolites. Local nautical service providers have denounced this practice as a direct violation of the Laguna de Bacalar Operating Rules, established in 2015, which outline precise zoning for navigation and recreational use of the lagoon.

Violations of Navigation Regulations

The regulations, issued by the Integral Port Administration of Quintana Roo (APIQROO), specify the types and sizes of permitted vessels. According to the rules, only boats with outboard motors up to 225 horsepower or stationary engines up to 350 horsepower are authorized. The two-story vessel in question, with a capacity for 18 passengers, clearly exceeds these limits.

The Port Captaincy, under the direction of Román Bustos Gómez, has been accused of negligence in enforcing these regulations. Critics allege a pattern of permissiveness by maritime authorities, who have systematically ignored rules designed to protect this natural heritage.

Additional Environmental Concerns

Beyond the use of unauthorized vessels, other troubling practices by tourism operators have been reported. These include mooring smaller boats in mangrove zones and tourists relieving themselves within the vegetation, further damaging the fragile ecosystem.

A History of Unaddressed Violations

The Bacalar nautical community has long raised concerns about such violations. In previous years, the arrival of a tiburonera-style boat sparked public outcry for breaching the same regulations. However, public awareness appears to have waned, and environmental groups that once vocally opposed such practices now remain silent—even as social media promotes swimming directly over stromatolites.

Calls for Accountability

As the situation worsens, Bacalar residents are demanding action. The lack of enforcement is causing irreversible harm to the Laguna de los Siete Colores, which is increasingly becoming a victim of institutional indifference. The community now questions how much more damage will be tolerated before authorities intervene.