Mass Fish Die-Off in Isla Mujeres Lagoon Blamed on Oxygen Depletion
Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo — A mass die-off of fish in the Salina Grande lagoon on Wednesday morning has been attributed to oxygen depletion, sparking calls from residents for the municipal government to install aeration systems to prevent future incidents.
Thousands of fish of various sizes, including large specimens, were found gasping for oxygen at the water’s surface and along the lagoon’s edges before dying. Locals described the scene as alarming, with fish desperately seeking oxygen.
Resident Noemí Uh had warned that such an event was likely, noting that similar conditions had occurred last year when rainfall was scarce. Although light rain fell two days ago, some speculate that runoff may have carried pollutants into the lagoon, exacerbating the oxygen depletion as water levels drop due to evaporation.
Residents are urging ecology officials to conduct field studies to assess the situation and install aerators, which were last used during a similar die-off a decade ago.
Ana Reyes covers environmental policy, conservation initiatives, infrastructure projects, and political developments across the Yucatán Peninsula for Riviera Maya News & Events. She reports on issues from sargassum management and reef conservation to the Maya Train, coastal development, and state and federal policy affecting Quintana Roo and the broader peninsula.Ana has covered environmental and political news since 2023, tracking key developments in Mexico's environmental regulations, coral reef protection, coastal zone management, and the intersection of tourism development with conservation efforts. Her reporting spans from Cancun's hotel zone to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and the culturally significant regions of the Yucatán interior.Ana is fluent in English and Spanish, and draws from a wide range of sources including government environmental agencies, conservation organizations, academic researchers, and local community leaders to provide balanced, well-sourced coverage. She is particularly focused on how environmental policy decisions affect the daily lives of residents and the long-term sustainability of the region.For story tips: ana@rivieramayanews.mx
