New Plan to Save Mexico’s Coral Reefs

Cozumel, Mexico — María del Carmen García Rivas, Director General of Conservation for the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Cnanp), announced that the commission is developing a national management plan for coral reefs. The objective is to prevent coral bleaching before it causes what she termed "profound death."

The announcement was made during an interview at the XIII Mexican Congress of Coral Reefs (CMAC) and the IV Pan-American Congress of Coral Reefs (CPAC). The event is being held at the facilities of the Autonomous University of the State of Quintana Roo, Cozumel Campus, from October 13 to October 17. García Rivas explained that all of the country's natural protected areas are represented at the congress to coordinate with other institutions and prioritize assistance to the most vulnerable sites.

"We know that Puerto Morelos suffered a loss of corals due to bleaching, and also from the 'tissue loss' disease. So, we are identifying restoration efforts and determining how much we can do; because this event of increasing sea temperatures will continue," emphasized García Rivas.

Wastewater and Tourism Identified as Key Threats

Another factor contributing to reef pollution, according to the director, is wastewater being discharged into the sea. She stated that the Cnanp must work hand-in-hand with municipal and state governments to ensure proper wastewater treatment, underscoring the importance of stopping these threats.

García Rivas also addressed the practice of coral planting initiatives. She noted that while many people have initiatives to plant corals in the sea, such efforts must be grounded in scientific research. She explained that coral colonies and groups exist in specific locations for a reason, stating, "Science is better than empirical knowledge."

Reefs at Capacity, New Management Strategies Needed

Regarding the load on local ports, the federal official mentioned that the parks in Cancún, Puerto Morelos, Isla Contoy, and Cozumel can no longer accommodate more vessels, and reductions will be implemented.

"We have more than 200 vessels that are not part of the official count; the tourists who come are not coral experts, so we must take them to dive in less fragile zones, in more resilient areas, and generate these economic activities in a regulated manner with the least possible impact," she said.

García Rivas justified this approach by stating that protecting reefs is not at odds with economic development, but that organization is required to aid conservation. She cited the example of Isla Contoy, where visitor schedules are divided into morning and afternoon shifts to respect the carrying capacity of the reefs.

A Collaborative Path Forward

"As the Cnanp, what we want is to have a collegial body of researchers, scientists, and experts to help us resolve these issues; what we do know is that we will not solve this problem alone," she explained. "Second, we need coordination with service providers so they can continue their economic activities responsibly, and we will strengthen them with our institutions."

A third step, she outlined, is to coordinate with institutions so that restoration initiatives can be carried out when desired. Similarly, she advocated for increasing the number of natural protected reef areas and seeking the necessary resources to prevent pollution and bleaching.

María del Carmen García Rivas concluded by outlining the priority process for saving the reefs: the conservation of biodiversity, economic activities, the management of natural areas, and wastewater management.