PROGRAMS

Aetobatus narinari is listed in the IUCN Red List as an “almost endangered” species. Low reproductive potential and excessive unregulated fishing have likely caused the decline of its populations.

Objective: Collect data for the study of the eagle ray populations through several monitoring protocols. Its conservation is essential for the socioeconomic value as a draw for tourism, the main industry of the island. In addition, it is essential that we know the impact, that the fluctuations in the population of this mega-pradator, have on the health of the ecosystem as a whole.

Tourist activities affect the coral reef system.

Objective: Evaluate the impact our activities have on the coral reef through the observation of tourist activities in collaboration with, and within the coral reefs of Parque Nacional Arrecifes Cozumel. For the evaluation of impacts, the method known as “Hol Chan” Evaluating Visitor Impacts on Reef Health, M. McField, A. Thompson (2009), is applied to evaluate the behavior of snorkelers and has been adapted to evaluate scuba diving activities based on the particular characteristics of Cozumel National Marine Park.

The excessive production and use of plastics is a problem known worldwide. Lack of environmental education and awareness cause conditions in which plastic is improperly discarded. Our geographical position places us where the flow of currents attracts a significant amount of trash discarded by other countries and communities in the region. Solid waste management is a complex system in any area; in less accessible places like an island, it is even more difficult to allocate suitable areas for collection and recycling. On our island, municipal collection centers are responsible for the transfer, separation and
destination of waste.

Objectives: Volunteers carry out removal of solid waste on coastlines and under water in adopted areas. Debris is counted and reported locally to Parque Nacional Arrecifes Cozumel and internationally to Project Aware. Analysis and recommendations for alternative uses of marine debris are made and implemented.

Sea turtles have existed for 110 million years. In the last 3 decades world marine turtle populations have notably diminished. This is due to a number of causes, most of them anthropogenic. The 7 species that nest in Mexico are endangered according to national and international laws (SEMARNAT 2001 AND IUCN 2001). The beaches of Cozumel are thought to have the highest densities of white (Chelonia mydas) turtle nests in the state and are vital areas of loggerhead (Caretta
caretta) nesting. In addition, the reefs of Cozumel are home to the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbracata) in various stages of development.

Objective: Our team will support activities focused on the conservation and study of marine turtle populations in collaboration with the turtle monitoring programs of the offices of Arrecifes National Park of Cozumel and Colegio de la Frontera Sur.