The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System-Mexico: considerations for its designation as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area

Authors

  • Pedro-Luis Ardisson Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav. Carretera antigua a Progreso, km 6. Apdo. Postal 73-Cordemex. Mérida, Yucatán, 97310. México
  • Marco Antonio May-Kú Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav. Carretera antigua a Progreso, km 6. Apdo. Postal 73-Cordemex. Mérida, Yucatán, 97310. México
  • María Teresa Herrera-Dorantes Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav. Carretera antigua a Progreso, km 6. Apdo. Postal 73-Cordemex. Mérida, Yucatán, 97310. México
  • Alfredo Arellano-Guillermo Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas, Región Península de Yucatán y Caribe Mexicano, Calle Venado No. 71 y 73,SM. 20, M. 18, Lote 2 y 4, Cancún, Benito Juárez, Quintana Roo, 77500. México

Keywords:

Caribbean, Coral Reefs, IMO, MBRS, PSSA.

Abstract

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS) extends over 1,000 km along the Caribbean Sea of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. From 1997 onwards these four countries have considered an initiative to designate the MBRS as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The purpose of the initiative is to protect the MBRS against the negative effects of international shipping activities. Such designation would also constitute a mechanism to facilitate conservation and sustainable use of the regions resources. This paper provides a summary of the available information about ecological, socio-economic and shipping activities in the Mexican portion of the MBRS (State of Quintana Roo) that might contribute to the joint countries effort by identifying strengths and weaknesses in complying with the guidelines established by IMO to designate the area as a PSSA.

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Published

2017-01-09

How to Cite

Ardisson, P.-L., May-Kú, M. A., Herrera-Dorantes, M. T., & Arellano-Guillermo, A. (2017). The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System-Mexico: considerations for its designation as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area. HIDROBIOLÓGICA, 21(3), 261–280. Retrieved from https://hidrobiologica.izt.uam.mx/hidrobiologica/index.php/revHidro/article/view/760

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