Mexico’s Dakatso Company to Build Artificial Coral Reefs in Playa del Carmen

Dagoberto Ruiz, the General Director of Mexico's Dakatso Company, has unveiled a pilot project for the construction of artificial coral reef barriers. The barriers will be made from a unique alloy known as "sargacrete", developed by the company itself.

In addition to beach clean-up efforts, Dakatso plans to collect, dispose, and utilize sargasso. The seaweed will be treated, crushed, and combined with regular concrete to create robust platforms. These platforms will serve as a base for artificial reefs, providing a thriving environment for coral species and marine fauna.

The project aims to contribute to the coral barrier in the coastal area of Playa del Carmen, part of the largest reef barrier in America. Each unit, weighing around 150 tons, will be submerged in areas experiencing coral "deforestation". The goal is to encourage coral growth and create a sort of underwater nursery for marine life.

It's important to note that Mexico is home to the largest reef barrier in America. Located in the state of Quintana Roo, it spans more than 9,000 hectares, covering the Caribbean coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Reefs play a crucial role in environmental preservation. They are comprised of a variety of ecologically interdependent marine ecosystems, vital for conserving a diverse range of flora and fauna species. They perform several essential functions, such as eliminating and recycling carbon dioxide, providing a habitat for various organisms, and protecting the coasts from erosion, strong waves, and hurricanes.

Dakatso has successfully executed similar projects in other coastal regions of Mexico. For instance, they've submerged ship and plane wrecks off the coasts of Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit, which have since flourished into thriving coral reefs, home to various species of fish and marine fauna.

In conclusion, Dakatso's plan extends beyond beach clean-up. It also includes efforts to preserve cenotes and wetlands within the municipality, in a bid to mitigate the environmental impact of human activities on the area's ecosystems.