Did you know that Mexico is ranked 4th in the world for quantity of mangroves and that 60% of those are located in the Yucatán Peninsula?
Mangroves grow along the shoreline and provide habitat for native species. They are interconnected with the coral reef, and also help prevent shore erosion. They filter water and store carbon. Their root systems and branches also help protect towns and people from the powerful wind and waves when hurricanes come. For all those reasons and more…it is very important to protect them.
Right now, the mangrove in Puerto Morelos is completely dry, where it should be filled with water, fish, birds, and crocodiles. While it’s true that we haven’t had nearly enough rainfall this year, there are other issues having a negative impact. Damage to the mangrove affects the local economy, artesianal fishing, and tourism. But what can WE do as tourists, residents, or immigrants to Puerto Morelos?
8 Ways YOU Can Help Protect Puerto Morelos’ Mangroves & Reef
- 1. Keep your distance. Stay out of the mangrove and never cut or remove vegetation.
- 2. Leave no trash behind. Pick up litter when you safely can and join local cleanups.
- 3. Watch what goes down the drain. Never dump oils, chemicals, paint, or cleaners into streets, drains, cenotes, or waterways.
- 4. Choose responsible tours. Support operators that respect protected areas and wildlife.
- 5. Don’t feed or disturb wildlife. Observe from a safe distance.
- 6. Respect development restrictions. Don’t support activities that damage or alter mangrove habitat.
- 7. Report dumping, clearing, fires, or suspected damage to the appropriate authorities.
- 8. Support local conservation. Join cleanups, attend educational events, donate, and help spread awareness.
More information about mangroves in Mexico:
Yucatán Times – “Mexico Loses Over 27,000 Hectares of Mangroves in Five Years, CONABIO Report Reveals”
Pew.org – “Mangrove Conservation Can Help Countries Meet Emissions Reduction Goals”
Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program – “Mangroves: Mexico’s Coastal Superpower”
World Resources Institute – “Guardians of Mexico’s Mangroves”
Convention on Biological Diversity – Mexico Country Profile
Small actions add up! Protecting our mangroves also helps protect the reef and the incredible ecosystem that makes Puerto Morelos so special.
Photography courtesy of Diego Armando Cruz of Drone.af and Somos Semillas Photography
