NW_DiverDude
Contributor
Just returned from some diving in Coz last week and although I expected to see some damage to the reef system as a result of hurricane Wilma, I was shocked to see how much and how deep the damage was compared to when I dove Coz 2 years ago this month.
Of course the shallow parts of Palancar reef, among others, was damaged but it was quite extensive with some areas losing more than 50% of the coral structure - OUCH!
Damage was very evident at 50 feet below the surface and I could still see some structural damage down to 80 feet. The shear number of fish and eels seemed to be less than 1/3rd of what I have come to expect for the region although I did see a number of species that I not seen in the past, which was a nice treat.
The really great thing is that the people of Cozumel have done an incredible job of rebuilding including the piers, the shops, the hotels, etc. Everyone and everything seemed to be back to normal after having endured such a catastrophic event - Bravo!
Even though the damage on the reefs was so obvious, there is still so much to see and do underwater that I will continue returning on a regular basis and for those that have never dove Coz before, it will still be one of the best places that you can experience both underwater and topside.
Contained in my photo gallery are several underwater images taken in Cozumel last week as well as some from 2004 if you choose to look.
NW_DiverDude
Of course the shallow parts of Palancar reef, among others, was damaged but it was quite extensive with some areas losing more than 50% of the coral structure - OUCH!
Damage was very evident at 50 feet below the surface and I could still see some structural damage down to 80 feet. The shear number of fish and eels seemed to be less than 1/3rd of what I have come to expect for the region although I did see a number of species that I not seen in the past, which was a nice treat.
The really great thing is that the people of Cozumel have done an incredible job of rebuilding including the piers, the shops, the hotels, etc. Everyone and everything seemed to be back to normal after having endured such a catastrophic event - Bravo!
Even though the damage on the reefs was so obvious, there is still so much to see and do underwater that I will continue returning on a regular basis and for those that have never dove Coz before, it will still be one of the best places that you can experience both underwater and topside.
Contained in my photo gallery are several underwater images taken in Cozumel last week as well as some from 2004 if you choose to look.
NW_DiverDude