YellowRoseCozumel
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Hello Everyone,
Yesterday evening, Thursday, Nov. 3, the National Marine Park in Cozumel (Parque Marino Nacional) held a well-attended meeting for all operators and active members of the dive business community to address the impact of the hurricane season on the reef and to develop conservation strategies going forward. As dive travelers and concerned members of the diving community, we thought it fair to present a brief overview in response to your inquiries.
Marine Park officials found that the reefs indeed sustained damage as a result of two hurricanes, Emily and Wilma, this season as well as human impact. As previously mentioned, we see some broken sponges, gorgonians and other large structures, sand on the reef, and in addition, lower algal counts and reduced coverage. Some reefs are in worse condition than others, while other reefs look great. The C-53 wreck now has a fissure which transversely separates the wreck in two. Penetration of the wreck is not recommended at this time due to the instability of the structure.
Marine Park officials with the community discussed strategies to safeguard the reef against further impact, including human impact. Suggestions included limiting diving during the upcoming high season on reefs most impacted this year, reinstating the one meter rule (all divers must maintain a distance of at least one meter from the reef), limiting diving on certain reefs to qualification levels, greater emphasis on techniques such as proper weighting, buoyancy control, finning finesse and general awareness of the importance of reef conservation. Although no new regulations were implemented yet, all were in agreement that closer supervision of Marine Park visitors (snorkelers and divers) would further help limit the negative impact on the reef.
Many operators and divers volunteered to assist in the clean up efforts, which was deemed the first important step towards reef recovery, and we at Dive Cozumel volunteered the Yellow Rose, tanks, time and crew. Manual clean up efforts alone will eliminate bulky natural (and artificial) debris which can cause further damage as it is dragged over the reef by the current. This will make a big difference in the recovery process and the quality of diving in the immediate future.
Keep in mind that human impact over time can be as significant as a single natural event. Now and always, reefs should be treated as delicate, dynamic and intricate creations. Although reef systems are sensitive, they have the ability to blossom and regenerate even in the most adverse conditions (e.g. Hurricane Gilbert, 1998). We believe that as always, Mother Nature will prevail.
Also, within the next few days, we will post a general announcement on our website.
Best regards,
Your Friends at Dive Cozumel
Yesterday evening, Thursday, Nov. 3, the National Marine Park in Cozumel (Parque Marino Nacional) held a well-attended meeting for all operators and active members of the dive business community to address the impact of the hurricane season on the reef and to develop conservation strategies going forward. As dive travelers and concerned members of the diving community, we thought it fair to present a brief overview in response to your inquiries.
Marine Park officials found that the reefs indeed sustained damage as a result of two hurricanes, Emily and Wilma, this season as well as human impact. As previously mentioned, we see some broken sponges, gorgonians and other large structures, sand on the reef, and in addition, lower algal counts and reduced coverage. Some reefs are in worse condition than others, while other reefs look great. The C-53 wreck now has a fissure which transversely separates the wreck in two. Penetration of the wreck is not recommended at this time due to the instability of the structure.
Marine Park officials with the community discussed strategies to safeguard the reef against further impact, including human impact. Suggestions included limiting diving during the upcoming high season on reefs most impacted this year, reinstating the one meter rule (all divers must maintain a distance of at least one meter from the reef), limiting diving on certain reefs to qualification levels, greater emphasis on techniques such as proper weighting, buoyancy control, finning finesse and general awareness of the importance of reef conservation. Although no new regulations were implemented yet, all were in agreement that closer supervision of Marine Park visitors (snorkelers and divers) would further help limit the negative impact on the reef.
Many operators and divers volunteered to assist in the clean up efforts, which was deemed the first important step towards reef recovery, and we at Dive Cozumel volunteered the Yellow Rose, tanks, time and crew. Manual clean up efforts alone will eliminate bulky natural (and artificial) debris which can cause further damage as it is dragged over the reef by the current. This will make a big difference in the recovery process and the quality of diving in the immediate future.
Keep in mind that human impact over time can be as significant as a single natural event. Now and always, reefs should be treated as delicate, dynamic and intricate creations. Although reef systems are sensitive, they have the ability to blossom and regenerate even in the most adverse conditions (e.g. Hurricane Gilbert, 1998). We believe that as always, Mother Nature will prevail.
Also, within the next few days, we will post a general announcement on our website.
Best regards,
Your Friends at Dive Cozumel
