Yucatan Plans Artificial Reefs to Boost Diving Tourism and Fishing

Mérida, Yucatán — The Yucatan government is planning to create a system of artificial reefs off its coastline to attract diving tourists and strengthen local fisheries, Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena announced.

Díaz Mena said he met with Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles to discuss a proposal involving the controlled sinking of decommissioned vessels and other structures donated by the Mexican Navy.

The project would cover two areas: one off the coast of Dzilam de Bravo and another near San Felipe and Río Lagartos.

“This project will contribute to the regeneration of coastal ecosystems, boost nature and diving tourism, and open new economic opportunities for coastal communities,” the governor said.

The initiative aims to combine environmental conservation with economic development by promoting marine habitat regeneration, fish reproduction, and creating new attractions for domestic and international visitors.

The Navy is already providing technical support for bathymetric studies in the proposed areas, which will be used to prepare an environmental impact statement for submission to the federal Environment Ministry (Semarnat).

Díaz Mena also announced that the modernization of the port of Progreso will include a new naval operations base equipped with ocean patrol vessels and state-of-the-art boats to strengthen maritime surveillance and protect trade routes.

“A safe port is a reliable port for commerce and tourism,” he said, adding that the goal is to turn Progreso into a modern, world-class facility.