Akumal, Q.R. — More than 3,000 coral fragments were planted in Akumal reefs as part of the state government’s commitment to carry out a massive sowing of coral colonies in Quintana Roo.
The Restauratón de Akumal was funded by the Centro Ecológico de Akumal (CEA) and with support from the Akumal Dive Shop and other local businesses.
The staff of the Centro Regional de Investigación Acuícola y Pesquera (CRIAP) trained dive shop staff and other collaborators to carry out assisted dispersal and planting of coral fragments of the species staghorn coral, elkhorn coral, mountainous star coral and stony coral.
The fragments in Akumal were planted in 20 artificial structures. Between 2014 and 2017, more than 500 colonies have been planted by CEA partners to counteract the deterioration of coral reefs in the area.
The coral reef planting is part of the state Governor Carlos Joaquín’s project to sow nearly 300,000 corals during his six year administration. The government of Quintana Roo says the sowing of corals is part of the Coral Reef Restoration Program of the Mesoamerican Reef.
“The Mesoamerican Reef occupies first place in world importance. This ecosystem is the generator of the white sand and the natural landscape characteristic of the beaches of Quintana Roo. Its conservation is significant because it is our pride and we live there,” said Governor Carlos Joaquin.
Other areas that have been replanted include Isla Mujeres National Park, Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and Akumal with a 95 percent survival rate.
