Abstract

Strandings are a constant threat in the Mesoamerican reef, although their frecuency is not high, the impacts can cause irreversible damage to destroy not only the living community, but th substrated dormed by thousands of years. On July 16, 2016 al 18:30 a 60 ft boat ran aground in Puerto Morelos Reef National Park (20o 54´35´´ N; 86o50´7.5") 300 m2 damaging reef. The fact was reported to PROFEPA and PGR perform action requesting rescue damaged coral colonies. The impact of the boat caused fragmentation of at least 20 branched colonies of the species Acropora palmata and more than 40 of the genus Unidaria spp., the release of a massive colony of large size, Pseudodiploria strigosa, two colonies of the spe-cies Orbicella anullaris and the breaking of the limestome structure leaving loose material. Primary restoration action for A. palmata were: the choice and fixation in the same area of the larger fragments (147 parts), the placement of small fragments in a dome for recovery mesh (165 parts). Fragments and detached genus Undaria spp. colonies were again fixed on the substrate. Massive detached colonies wereplaced in original position trying to rebuild his form with the detached fragments. The affected area and restored colonies were markes. Administrative and criminal proceedings have not concluded, financ-ing monitorin site is expected.

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