Veracruz Reef System National Park

Veracruz Reef System National Park
Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano National Marine Park Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano Core Zone
Coast line of Veracruz Reef System
Map showing the location of Veracruz Reef System National Park
Map showing the location of Veracruz Reef System National Park
Map showing the location of Veracruz Reef System National Park
Map showing the location of Veracruz Reef System National Park
LocationVeracruz, Mexico
Coordinates19°11′N 95°47′W / 19.18°N 95.79°W / 19.18; -95.79
Area11.14 km²
Established2012
Governing bodyNational Commission of Natural Protected Areas
Official nameParque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano
Designated2 February 2004
Reference no.1346[1]
Map

Veracruz Reef System National Park (Spanish: Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano National Marine Park) is a national marine park and protected area located in Veracruz, Mexico. The park was established in 1994 and covers a total area of approximately 65,516.47 hectares (161,894.7 acres), divided into two polygons: the Veracruz Polygon, which comprises seven reefs and two islands, and the Antón Lizardo Polygon, with 12 reefs and four islands. [2][3]

Reef groups

The reef system is divided into four reef groups:

  • Outer reefs: continued development on windward and leeward slopes.
  • Intermediate reefs: have a long, very gentle leeward slope.
  • Inner reefs: have a large amount of sediment accumulated on the leeward slope.
  • Fringing reefs: they develop on the coast, presenting a development that does not exceed 12 m depth on the windward side.

The ecological importance of the Reef Park is such that the system is also designated as one of Mexico's Ramsar Sites - Wetland Sites of International Importance, with four of the eight biodiversity criteria established by the Ramsar Convention. Among the established criteria, number one considers the wetland as a rare or unique example, because the reef system has been subjected to great anthropogenic pressure during the last 500 years. Despite the damage done to the reef, there are studies that indicate that it has a higher recovery rate compared to other reefs in the Gulf of Mexico.

Currently, the deterioration of the environmental condition has increased due to drainage discharges from the metropolitan area, as well as hydrocarbon spills due to the movement of vessels in the port area. (Ramsar Wetlands Information Sheet, 2004- CONANP).

  • View from Enmedio Island
    View from Enmedio Island
  • Brown pelican
    Brown pelican
  • Lighthouse in Santiaguillo Island
    Lighthouse in Santiaguillo Island
  • Mero blanco veracruzano
    Mero blanco veracruzano

References

  1. ^ "Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  2. ^ "Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano in Mexico". Protected Planet. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
  3. ^ "Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano". UNESCO - Ecological Sciences for Sustainable Development. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
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