| Director's message - Paul Sánchez Navarro |
Throughout 2009, Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA) has been working to improve the use and management of Akumal's marine and coastal ecosystems. We are successfully operating the Akumal Bays Management Plan (POBAk), a locally defined and operated program that seeks to organize the myriad marine tourism activities carried out in the clear blue waters of Akumal. Local boats are now regulated and comply with tourism laws, and land- and sea-based snorkel tour operators work within a schedule which limits the numbers of tourists per group per day. Federal authorities such as the Port Captain and Ministry of the Environment support and participate in this program. Akumal now has a management tool with which to protect the sea turtles feeding in Akumal Bay, and the coral species struggling to continue their job of building reef in the area. |
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One of our main goals is to create a Sea Turtle Refuge, converting this management experience into a legal instrument which will help us protect Akumal's wondrous sea turtles for years to come. We will expand our sea turtle protection and marine conservation efforts beyond beach management and patrols during nesting season to include the hawksbills, greens and loggerheads found in our coastal waters.
In addition, CEA has been working with the federal, state and municipal water authorities and local businesses to improve wastewater management in the region, with the goal of making sure that all the fresh water making its way to the sea is free of pollutants. This is an ongoing process, involving creating a new water treatment infrastructure in Akumal, Chemuyil and Tulum, as well as building local awareness and capacity for water management. We have to make sure that our incredible marine biodiversity has a healthy habitat in which to grow.
Our conservation work is integrated into environmental education projects in the local schools, communication activities with tourists, visiting groups and local businesses, and sustainable environmental policy objectives with municipal, state and federal governments.
CEA could not carry out any of its work without the support of so many actors, from all the local restaurants and hotels, visitors from so many countries, foundations and agencies, to other environmental organizations in Mexico. We are thankful to everyone for their participation.
We hope you enjoy our new Web site www.ceakumal.org and we invite you to rediscover CEA, learn about our work and join us in protecting this incredible biodiversity—wildlife and water in Akumal.
director@ceakumal.org
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| Lion fish in Akumal Waters |
Since the beginning of 2009, the Lion Fish has been sighted in Cozumel waters of the Mexican Caribbean. Its voracious nature and lack of natural predators represent a threat to local marine life.
During the last few months, the Lion Fish has been spotted in several different diving sites in Akumal fore reefs. This brings a new concern to the reef’s delicate ecosystem and measures need to be taken. Centro Ecologico Akumal, in collaboration with the local diving community and CONANP, is acting as a collecting center in the area.
What to do in case you spot a Lion Fish?
Report any sighting of the Lion Fish to the closest dive center or directly to Centro Ecologico Akumal; in your report include the time, exact location and size of the fish if possible.
DO NOT attempt to touch or grab it. The Lion Fish is friendly and curious and may approach you, but if it feels threatened it will take a defensive position pointing its poisonous spines towards you. |
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Although, there are no records of human fatality from encounters with the Lion Fish, it is still dangerous and death may occur in exceptional circumstances.
For further information please contact CEA Biologist David Placencia of our Reef Monitoring Program.
arrecife@ceakumal.org
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| Sustainability and the environment: Managing the Watershed of the Riviera Maya |
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On August, Centro Ecológico Akumal encouraged a workshop to raise awareness among hotels, condos, constructors and local people about Managing the Watershed of the Riviera Maya.
This workshop took place at Hotel Gran Bahía Principe. The talks were about: Underground water system of the Yucatan Peninsula, Social participation in the Watershed Council and Subcouncils, the Importance of the Mesoamerican Reef and Sustainable management of coastal areas, Solid waste management in Quintana Roo and Alternative technologies for wastewater treatment. We’d like to thank all assistants and people that help us make it possible. |
If you have interest in receive information please contact: Edith Sosa Bravo.
Water Quality coordinator. agua@ceakumal.org
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| 2009 Sea Turtle Nesting Season Update |
We are pleased to share with you the results obtained so far during this nesting season.
Jade Beach as every year is receiving the highest number of turtles; it conditions and the support of tourist and owners that follow our recommendations are the main reasons.
In South Akumal, we’ve only had some nests, perhaps due to the intense lights flashed by security every 30 or 45 minutes. However, we continue to make our weekly patrols to check for possible nests.
Meanwhile Akumal Bay is having more activity than last year.
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Likewise in Half Moon Bay, nests are checked during late night or the day, to count shells, dead hatchlings and unhatched eggs. We are carrying out these activities during these hours to avoid being confused for poachers. This season we have attempted to leave as many nests as possible in situ, relocating only a few when absolutely necessary.
We’d like to thank all the security guards, volunteers, hotels, and condos who have selflessly helped us out this season.
Nests: Loggerhead Turtles – 93 / Green Turtles – 73
Hatchlings: Loggerhead – 4, 942 / Green Turtles – 516
Total number of hatchlings: 5, 458
Armando Lorences C. - Sea Turtle Coordinator.
tortugas@ceakumal.org
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| Sea Turtle Festival 2009 - October 16, 17 &18 |
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In few days we will provide the schedule program of the different activities that will be in Tulum, Xcacel and Akumal; Yes!
This year Akumal will carry activities and a symbolic baby hatchling release. October 18, Akumal Bay.
If you want to volunteer with Centro Ecológico Akumal and help us with our activities next October 18...
Please contact us at: tortugas@ceakumal.org or comunicacion@ceakumal.org |
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