The Mexican Navy Secretariat (Semar) has begun the creation of new artificial reefs using naval artifacts with the aim of protecting marine life.
Once sunk, these will serve as habitats for marine fauna and flora in various cities in the country. According to Semar, 29 ships from the Mexican Navy will be converted into the base of these reefs, providing breeding spaces for various species such as fish, snails, sea urchins, and starfish.
Protecting marine life
These reefs will not only act as marine habitats, but will also function as natural barriers against hurricanes and promote sustainable tourism.
They are part of the “Creation of artificial reef systems” program, which includes entities such as Sonora, Tamaulipas, and Michoacán. The ships, decommissioned in 2022, help conserve marine ecosystems by reducing pressure on natural reefs exposed to overexploitation from tourist diving.
Promoting Tourism and Research
In addition to protecting biodiversity, these reefs will promote sustainable tourism and open up new avenues for scientific research and combating illegal fishing. Significant economic savings are estimated with this program: more than 61 million pesos in Sonora, more than 41 million pesos in Michoacán, and more than 123 million pesos in Tamaulipas.
Sonoran Artificial Reef System
The Government of Sonora, through the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur), presented the Sonoran Artificial Reef System. The project will use seven ships, three aircraft, an amphibious vehicle, and three artillery pieces that will be sunk in a formation resembling an anchor, in honor of the Navy Secretariat, to create a marine ecosystem and promote tourism in San Carlos.
Roberto Gradillas Pineda, Secretary of Tourism of Sonora, highlighted the collaboration with Rotary International, the Navy Secretariat, and the Ministry of the Environment for this project.
Threats to Global Reefs
According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), 60% of the world’s reefs are threatened by activities such as overfishing, destructive fishing, coastal developments, and pollution, putting these ecosystems and the benefits they offer millions of people at risk.
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