Dolphins Thrive in Chetumal Bay’s Rich Waters

CHETUMAL, Quintana Roo — Residents of Chetumal captured the presence of dolphins swimming in the waters of the bay this past weekend, in the vicinity of Tamalcab Island. The event serves as a reminder that the bay is the habitat for different species, as specialists have indicated, making it one of the marine sanctuaries of the Mexican Caribbean.

In recent years, the presence of multiple species has been observed in the body of water that is Chetumal Bay, such as manatees and crocodiles, but also dolphins, turtles, and other species of tropical fish that might be considered rare for these parts. However, they are part of the biodiversity that exists in the marine ecosystem of the state capital.

In that sense, just one day prior, the presence of a dolphin was also captured in a body of water in the ejido of Juan Sarabia, which also forms part of the municipality of Othón P. Blanco. This surprised the inhabitants who managed to glimpse it when it was in the area, qualifying the event as something unprecedented until now.

This same diversity is what has made the bodies of water in the southern zone of Quintana Roo stand out and be part of the scientific interests of researchers and specialists. Furthermore, it has been primarily in Chetumal Bay where unique findings have been made, which is why its ecological relevance has increased, even for the local population, which is always surprised by the species that visit Chetumal Bay.

On the other hand, sightings like this are also a reminder of the importance of caring for the bodies of water and the fauna and flora that inhabit them, as is the case with the mangroves in Chetumal Bay, since they are a refuge for different species. All are important for maintaining the natural balance of the marine ecosystem so that species can continue to appear in these areas.