Cozumel Coral Restoration Shows Progress in 2025

Cozumel Records Advances in Coral Recovery During 2025

Cozumel, Mexico — The recovery of coral reefs in Chankanaab Natural Park recorded significant advances during 2025 through the permanent Coral Maintenance program promoted by the Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC), in coordination with environmental organizations, educational institutions, and with community support, through monitoring, cleaning, and coral gardening actions that strengthen the conservation of elkhorn coral, an emblematic species of the island.

During the year, 398 volunteers participated, coming from environmental organizations, companies, student communities, and the general public. The work sessions included cleaning underwater nurseries, removing algae and waste, plus records in the SMART 7.5 platform, a tool that allows systematizing data and improving conservation decision-making.

The elkhorn coral, an emblematic species of Cozumel, is one of the main beneficiaries of the program. The general director of FPMC, Juanita Alonso Marrufo, emphasized that protecting the reefs is a shared task that requires social commitment, as they represent one of Cozumel’s main natural and tourist heritage sites. Meanwhile, the director of Conservation and Environmental Education, Rafael Chacón Díaz, highlighted the collaboration of educational institutions such as UQROO, CETMAR, and Colegio de Bachilleres, which has helped strengthen environmental culture and scientific knowledge among youth and students.

Since 2017, the restoration project has shown positive results, with coral fragments installed in grid-type and tree-type nurseries that have managed to develop and contribute to marine biodiversity.

Underwater grid-type and tree-type nurseries allow the development of coral fragments. Additionally, FPMC organized awareness activities such as the community event “Sunsets Fish and Corals,” plus courses in the Coral Laboratory of CCEA, aimed at children and youth. These actions reinforce experiential learning and consolidate an intergenerational commitment to protecting Cozumel’s reefs.