New Cruise Initiative to Protect Mexican Reefs

Over the past few months, we have featured a number of articles highlighting the dangers to the oceans’ coral reefs by human tourism. Some studies are even suggesting that Caribbean reefs are rapidly heading toward extinction due to the high volumes of tourists as well as increased water acidification and warming temperatures; conditions in which [...]

Over the past few months, we have featured a number of articles highlighting the dangers to the oceans’ coral reefs by human tourism. Some studies are even suggesting that Caribbean reefs are rapidly heading toward extinction due to the high volumes of tourists as well as increased water acidification and warming temperatures; conditions in which the cruise industry plays a tremendous role.

The cruise industry, with its massive, fuel spewing vessels and scores of tourists from island to island greatly increases the risks to coral reefs. Fortunately, some plans are being developed to counter-act this negativity. Representatives from the cruise ship industry, Mexican government, and Conservation International have announced a partnership for the protection and conservation of coral reefs in Cozumel, the world’s most-visited cruise destination.

This initiative aims to boost awareness of environmental issues as they pertain to tourism in the area, specifically with regards to the coral reefs, improving the infrastructure of tourism management and monitoring environmental litigation. No details on this rather “wide-spanning” initiative have been given, thus far.

However, one real advantage, or rather “hope”, is that passengers on cruises will be able to learn about the ecosystem of the areas they are visiting, rather than going through the motions of typical tourism (souvenirs, excursions, etc.)

Conservation International is approximating a $3.5 million investment over five years into the different areas of the project. The cruise industry itself is obviously in support of such an initiative, as a depleted coral reef and shore ecosystem would mean less travelers and less dollars overall.