Help Rebuild the Gulf of Mexico Barrier Reef

Our local partner, Amigos de Sian Ka’an, have worked extensively within the protected Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve on Yucatan peninsula, Mexico.

To date they have completed two major campaigns to characterize the reef, the first was completed in the 90’s and the second in 2010. In addition, in collaboration with GVI, we run an ongoing, permanent coral reef and fish species monitoring program.

Moving forwards preparations are underway for a new mapping project of the marine ecosystem within the reserve. This will act as a tool in which we will create an inventory of the different types of habitat and identify areas which are more susceptible to act as biodiversity hot spots.

Currently the team are involved in a pilot survey with the aim of improving the methodology before the official survey which is due to begin within the next couple of months.

Data collected from this critical work is used to help govern the management and protection of important biodiversity hotspots like the Sian Ka’an Biosphere.

Along with the fishing cooperatives working in Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and COBI, Amigos de Sian Ka’an is protecting over 9,000has through the establishment of community no-take zones. Moving forwards we aim to include Open Water Diver and Coral Reef Monitoring training for local fishermen, so they can get involved in monitoring the progress of the delimited areas.

Moreover, in the following months Amigos de Sian Ka’an and GVI will be launching a mid-term conservation project to characterize and monitor coastal habitats associated to shallow coral reefs in northern Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and Punta Gruesa, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Thank you so much for all of the support which is helping us to continue conserving Marine ecosystems.