Abstract

The Chinchorro Banks the largest reef complex in Mexico, measuring 864 Km2 in area. It contains hábitats such as a lagoon which support pristine reefs, coral patches, extensive Thalassia testudinum bed, macroalgae beds and sandy bottoms, and commercially important species such as queen conch (Strombus gigas) and spiny lobster (Palinurus argus). They are also mangrove islands with large marine bird breeding colonies, and small lagoons with species in danger of extintion, such as crocodiles (Crocodile acutus). These hábitats, which as a whole support the endangered species, are increasingly threatened by the growth of tourism and mega developments in nearby coastal áreas. In addition to its recent declaration as a biosphere reserve, the protection of this reef system requires: economic support, infraestructure, trained personnel (currently limited or nonexistent), establishment of popular diving sites, different security stages and civil service, implementation of regular control of the zone through environmental and biological research, and restructuring of the capture of commercially important species via fundamental controls. This study present a conservation and sustainable development proposal with solid ecological foundations, as well as protection and monitoring strategies for fragile áreas of the ecosystem. Socio-economics variables are analyzed as a whole. The descriptive and diagnostic methodology integrates physiographic, hydrographic, cartographic and ecological analyses of the system's reef communities, proving tradicional use schemes and reef zonation proposals. Recommendations and strategies are also presented for the administration of the system, as are the resulting implications for this mexican Caribbean reef system.

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