Cozumel Coral Restoration Program Cares for 1,500 Fragments at Chankanaab

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The foundation that manages Cozumel’s parks is caring for roughly 1,500 coral fragments at Chankanaab Natural Park and is inviting the public to join its weekly restoration sessions.

The Foundation of Parks and Museums of Cozumel (FPMC), through its Conservation and Environmental Education Department (CEA), said the Coral Restoration Program is continuing at the park as part of an effort to protect the island’s marine heritage.

Rafael Chacón Díaz, a biologist who heads the CEA, said the program focuses mainly on recovering and caring for elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata), and also monitors the reproduction of species such as Orbicella faveolata.

The fragments are mounted on underwater tree- and grid-style structures installed in coordination with the organization Oceanus A.C. Volunteers and staff clean algae and debris from both the structures and the coral colonies to encourage growth and survival. Natural resource manager Antonio Chalé oversees the work with support from volunteers.

Volunteer sessions twice a week

Maintenance sessions run every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and are open to anyone aged 15 or older with snorkeling skills or dive certification.

The invitation extends to students of marine biology, biological sciences and tourism, as well as young people and residents interested in volunteering.

Those who want to take part can request information or sign up by calling or messaging 987 112 9791.