The Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park was created by Presidential Decree in July of 1996. It embraces the southwest, south and southeast coast of the island and covers about 85% of the diving sites around the island, a total area of 67,133 acres, including he maritime-terrestrial federal zone.

 

Cozumel's reefs are home to a host of marine species, forming one of the most diverse and important ecosystems on the planet. Coral reefs are marine structures are built slowly by small animals called coral polyps. Inside the polyps are algae which contribute to the coral formation. The Marine Park's goals are to protect the islands natural resources and to conserve and sustain their use over the long term.

 

The Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park as Protected National Area, is under the ordinance of a Federal Management Program as documented in the Official Diary of Federation, October 2nd, 1998.

 

Management Program Activities

The Marine Park Management Program oversees the following activites:

• Scientific Research, including the monitoring and conservation of the reef formation and of natural habitats in its environment.

• Regulation of Commercial Activities, including water-recreation and tourisn that enters the Protected Natural Area.

• Education for Environmental Awareness, teaching visitors, students, developers, residents and providers of tourist services how to enjoy their recreational activites in an environment-friendly way.

• Promotion of Ecological Tourism

• Environmental Interpretation and Advertising

• Beach Cleaning Program

• Marine Park Bracelets

 

To achieve its objectives, the Marine Park, with due municipal authorization, requests that all divers in the park purchase official diving bracelets at $5.00 US per day per person. The funds raised are used exclusively for purposes of reef conservation in the Cozumel Reefs National Park.