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Five Cozumel reefs off limits as part of recovery program

Cozumel, Q.R. — During the months of August and September, five of Cozumel’s reefs will be off limits to divers and tour operators. As part of the program of rest and recovery from the daily load of visitors, five reefs in the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park will be closed to the public for at least two months.

According to Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel, the reefs that are currently shut include Palancar Cuevas, Palancar Ladrillos, Colombia Somero, Colombia Intermedio and Colombia Profundo.

The closure of the reefs coincides with the beginning of sexual reproduction of corals (spawning). All five reefs will remain closed to visitors for at least two months. That includes both snorkeling and diving as well as boat tours.

Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel began the reef rest rotation in 2020 after white coral syndrome was detected in a large area of the region.