Mexico announces massive National Marine park
The Mexican government has announced a massive new 57,000 square mile (approx. 150,000 km) marine reserve, in the Revillagigedo Archipelago – home to hundreds of species including giant manta rays, whales, and at-risk sea turtle populations.
Known as the ‘The Galapagos of North America’, the new park is found off the Revillagigedo Archipelago, a notable collection of volcanic islands located off the country’s south-west coast, and accessible through either Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo.
The move bans all fishing activity and will be strictly patrolled by local law-enforcement.
The new park should assist damaged fish stocks rebound from over-commercialization while giving safe harbor to threatened local species.
The park was announced by Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. Among the fishing ban, all natural resource extraction will halt, and new tourism infrastructure will no longer be going ahead.
Hammerhead Sharks in Revillagigedo Archipelago Credit to Ernemann Munner
Giant Pacific Manta Ray Credit to Guido Appenzeller
Additional Source: BBC
