MARCH // APRIL 2015
FROM THE DIRECTOR

One of the main objectives of CEA's present administration is to strengthen our collaborative work and partnerships in order to reach fully sustainable practices and uses of the local marine and coastal resources.

 

In the last two months we have witnessed substantial progress on the legal framework from the federal government. This is the result of several years of building up alliances with other NGOs, federal agencies and research institutes with a leading role by CEA's highly qualified staff.

 

The recently decreed Akumal Fishing Refuge Zone or Zona de Refugio Pesquero Akumal (ZRPA) couldn't have been achieved without collaboration from the Tulum Fishing Cooperative and Alliance Kanan Kay. And yet, looking forward, we see there is even more opportunity for such collaborative work with these organizations as well as with federal authorities, namely CONAPESCA (Aquaculture and Fisheries National Commission) andthe Mexican Navy (Secretaría de Marina-Armada de México) who will oversee and enforce the fish refuge, allowing the fish populations to recover.

 

This achievement represents an ample opportunity to change our highly devastating habits and substitute for a more inclusive social, economic and ecological consciousness.

 

Hector A. Lizarraga-Cubedo
IN THE NEWS
AKUMAL DECLARED A FISHING REFUGE
On April 14, 2015,  SAGARPA (the federal department that overseas agriculture, livestock, rural development, food, and fisheries) declared a new fish sanctuary in the area of Akumal based on the management studies produced by Centro Ecológico Akumal in conjunction with the Fishing Cooperative of Tulum and the technical support and approval by INAPESCA.


The Zona de Refugio Pesquero de Akumal (ZRPA) covers the 7.6 kilometres in the Alcadia of Akumal stretching along the coast from the Caleta de Yalkuito to the southern limit of Hotel Gran Bahia Principe and outwards 1.3 kilometres off the shoreline at its widest area to protect 21 species of fish and crustaceans of commercial interest.


WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

  • Commercial fishing is not permitted within the refuge area.
  • Sport fishing is authorized in the refuge area only if it is catch-and-release.
  • Lionfish hunting is permitted within the refuge on the following conditions:
    • Hunting is done by freediving/apnea (not SCUBA); and
    • Spearguns used are either pneumatic or band powered.

Note that hunting lionfish for commercial purposes requires a federal permit from CONAPESCA.

 

More details can be found in the decree published in the Diario Oficial de la Federacion (DOF) or in the information booklet produced by CEA: http://bit.ly/1JAUBrq 

 

THE BIG PICTURE

Having the area declared a fish refuge allows for the recovery of the fish stocks and reef habitat, which affects the overall recovery of the coastal ecosystems. As well, the refuge would allow the growth of the stocks that can then spread to other adjacent fishing areas.

 

The declaration of the fish refuge is a complementary management measure for the conservation and sustainability of Akumal's marine ecosystems and resources. There are multiple factors to ensure a healthy and sustainable bay, such as better-integrated coastal management, proper wastewater treatment, control of tourist operations, and adequate protection of the aquifer... all of which are being addressed by CEA.

 

However, change takes time and persistence. The fish refuge itself, from inception to decree was a four-year process that required collaborative efforts and determination by our staff, by the Fishing Coop in Tulum and the Alliance Kanan Kay. But it has happened. It is one measure and one step in the right direction.

 

FOLLOW UP

CEA staff, in coordination with staff from INAPESCA, will begin monitoring the area of the fishing refuge. This is a great opportunity for volunteers interested in fish stock and fishery management to get involved. 
PROGRAM UPDATES + INFO
GETTING READY FOR NESTING SEASON

 

MEET THE TURTLE TEAM

 

BEACH PATROLS

Nesting season on the beaches around Akumal typically begins on May 1. However, the season officially gets underway when the first nest or evidence of nesting is seen.


 CEA staff have been monitoring Akumal beach on a daily basis since mid-March, keeping their eyes open for signs of nesting, such as turtle tracks on the beach and evidence of nesting cavities. As of April 1, patrols officially started and were expanded to the other beaches monitored by CEA (Half Moon Bay, Akumal Sur and Jade Bay).


BEACH ZONING

In addition to the patrols, the Turtle Team has been mapping the beaches into different segments. All four beaches have been divided into 100-meter zones. Segmenting the beaches into zones allows for more comprehensive data collection, such as accurate comparisons between beaches and areas, as well as evaluating the beach conditions and seasonal nesting/hatching activities in each zone.

 

FUNDING THE TURTLE PROGRAM

While CEA relies on the property income (from renting commercial space to local businesses), to help cover the  annual budget, we rely on donations to ensure all project needs are met. Last year there were a total of 647 nests within the four beaches patrolled. That means 647 signs were made, 647 nests were marked and 647 nests were monitored over the course of six months by a handful of staff and volunteers. It takes a team---experienced staff to lead, dedicated volunteers to help with the field work, and your financial support---to keep this important program running.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

 

Adopt a Turtle ($30)

Adopt a Turtle Nest ($50)

Adopt a Turtle Family ($100)

 

Your adoption supports the Sea Turtle Program and the work Centro Ecológico Akumal does to monitor and protect endangered sea turtles that nest along the beaches of Akumal.

With every adoption, you will receive a personalized adoption certificate in the mail.

 

Turtle nests and turtle familys adoptions will also include:

  • Your name or organization on the nesting stake
  • Data and information on your nest/family emailed to you. 

Education and awareness are the keys for change. This is our belief at CEA and the reason why we have dedicated programs and staff to provide environmental education to students of all ages, in and out of the classrooms.
MEET OUR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Cristiane Veronica Aguilar Rosas 


 

Cristiane Aguilar recently joined the CEA team in March 2015. As CEA's Environmental Education Coordinator, she will spearhead our environmental education efforts ranging from working in the pueblo with the schools to designing curriculum and initiating community outreach activities and events. With a background in oceanography and a master's degree in coastal ecosystem management, Cristiane has a passion for sharing and teaching, particularly when it comes to the environment.  

 

Before coming to CEA, Cristiane taught marine botany at the Universidad de Autonoma de Baja California for five years and, as the director of environmental education with the municipality of Benito Juarez, she led the beach restoration and protection project in Cancún as part of the community outreach and turtle protection program.
FIELD TRIPS, LESSONS, EVENTS, OH MY!
LIFEGUARDS ON DUTY
7:30 to 4:30 DAILY

There are currently two full-time certified lifeguards patrolling Akumal beach---one, Manual Calderon Javier, also a certified paramedic, is located in front of CEA offices (at the main entrance to the beach) and the other,Ulyses Diaz Lopez, is located in the tower in front of Hotel Akumal Caribe. A third certified guard, Marco Montes, divides his time between safeguarding swimmers and patrolling the bay.

 

Like all lifeguards, the main role is to ensure no harm comes to the users of the area for which they are responsible. Visitors to Akumal should know that our guards keep a constant eye out for swimmers, snorkelers and beachgoers to predict and prevent potential problems and are ready to rescue and provide first aid and/or CPR when required.

 

According to Manuel Calderon, prevention is the key to water safety. This includes such things as:

 

Know where the lifeguards are located and swim within the patrolled area.

  • Swim between the flags on the beach and no farther out than 100 meters.

Know your own limits and capabilities.

  • If you are a weak swimmer, stay within the guarded areas and closer to shore.
  • Never swim alone.

Know and respect the beach regulations

  • Wear a life vest when participating in water activities such as kayaking or snorkeling.
  • Stay within the bay.
  • Stay out of the boat channel. If you need to cross it, do so quickly and with caution.
  • Don't stand or touch the reef. (It may look like a rock, but it isn't. You can damage years of coral growth, disrupt the organisms that live there, and hurt yourself.)
  • Understand the water currents and learn the daily conditions of the bay.
  • Follow the flag system for your safety.

BLACK FLAG: No lifeguard on duty

RED FLAG: High hazard. Rough conditions and/or currents. Not ideal for water activities.

YELLOW FLAG: Medium hazard. Moderate conditions and/or currents. Take caution.

GREEN FLAG: Low hazard. Calm conditions.

 

Pay close attention to children and the elderly.

  • One wave can easily cause a person to lose their footing, even in shallow water.
  • Elderly people are more susceptible to heat and sunstroke. Seek shaded areas.

 

The lifeguard services, equipment and supplies, are supported solely by CEA and Hotel Akumal Caribe. 

 

In the past few months the majority of water rescues have been snorkelers taking tours with commercial tour groups.

"The lifeguard resources are being used primarily to rescue tour operator clients, when most of those particular companies do  not provide any financial contribution for the lifesaving services, yet are the ones who have been relying on it the most. 


 Despite this, it is reassuring to know that the guards are ready to do their job and provide assistance to anyone who needs it.. no questions asked, " says Miguel Lozano Hueguenin, program coordinator.   

        

"Ideally we would love to be able to have more guards. This would allow for additional coverage of the beach and an increase in the degree of services, but without additional financial support, it simply isn't feasible."
REEF MONITORING: Phase 1 Complete

Three times per year, the Coastal Ecosystem Program runs its reef monitoring project which relies on volunteers to first learn about species identification and data collection protocols which are then applied in the field to gather and analyze the data. The overall objective of monitoring the reef and seagrass ecosystems over time allows us to document changes and detect the stress and/or impact sources. The data collected on the reef and seagrass ecosystems is vital in producing suggestions, strategies and actions for conservation and sustainable practices. 
A snapshot from Phase I (January 21 to April 24)

RESULTS

CEA´s reef monitoring in Akumal started in 2006 and, since then, results have shown a significant decline over time, most likely as a result of the increase of anthropogenic (human-related) activities in the area. From 2006 to 2014 the stony coral cover has diminished in some 50% while the algae has increased more than threefold. Fish density and biomass have shown a significant decrease in the past years as well, mostly fish families of commercial importance (grouperand snapperpopulations have decreased at least 40%). In contrast, damselfish populations, which are detrimental to corals by promoting the expansion of turf algae, have shown a significantly high density. Seagrasses are following the same trend of population decline, as results have shown a loss of some 40% in density since 2008.

 

HOW THE DATA IS USED

The information compiled from the monitoring project so far has been used as technical support in the development of sound conservation strategies such as the recently decreed Akumal Fish Refuge Zone, the Akumal Bay Management Plan and the recent Akumal Coral Reef restoration project in liaison with other partner organizations. The data and research also have been taken in account into local and regional urban development plans and have been utilized by international organizations to describe the regional condition of the Mesoamerican Reef in international forums for coral reef and fisheries management. 
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Volunteers are the heart and soul of CEA.  Whether they are in the field monitoring and collecting data or inputting it for reports, their work plays a critical role in fulfilling our mission of conservation and protection through research, education and policy.

 
Sofie and Wout installing the sonar device to the bottom of a kayak.

NAMES: Sofie van Boxtel // Wout van den Heuvel

COUNTRY: Netherlands

PROGRAM: Water Quality

 

WHY CEA

We are both students at HAS university in the Netherlands studying Environmental Science. As part of our program, we are required to do a six-month internship. Both of us wanted to find a placement outside of Europe and we began to look at different options including Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala and Peru. However one of Wout's colleagues did her internship with CEA seven years ago and gave us the recommendation. So here we are. What we liked most was the option to do focused work in water quality. It aligns with what we are currently studying, yet it would give us more opportunities to learn more and get field experience.

 

WHAT WE'RE DOING

We are involved in numerous activities. You will see us out in the kayak frequently as one activity is to create a bathymetric map (it's like a topographic map, but for depth) of Akumal Bay. We are also mapping the characterizations of the ocean floor (coral, grass, sand) and collecting other data such as direction and speed of currents inside the bay as well as temperature and conductivity/salinity.

 

Measuring the conductivity/salinity as well as temperature helps with another investigation into the location of freshwater vents around Akumal. A freshwater vent is where the underground rivers meet the sea. This research acts as one of the baseline measurements for the program to further the studies of the vents, where they lead from, and determine how that is correlated to the water quality in the bay. (The contaminants from the untreated wastewater use the freshwater as a way to reach the ocean.)

 

In fact, all of the data we are collecting helps paint a bigger picture of exactly all the variables that naturally impact the water quality. The data can then be used to correlate other factors (such as reef or algae growth) and be used towards determining the load capacity of the bay.

 

THOUGHTS ON AKUMAL AND MEXICO

We both love it here. The people are super friendly and we've been able to meet and interact with not just the locals, but people from all over the world and with different backgrounds. Staying at CEA we've met scientists and artists and love the fact that we are so close to the beach. Although we are "working" it certainly doesn't feel like work.
SPECIAL GUESTS AT CEA


Not Your Typical "Spring-Breakers"

Most students who come to Quintano Roo for Spring Break tend to do so for the sole purpose of beach-bars and poolside parties. Yet, this group of 17 students from the University of Southern California (USC) used their Spring Break a little differently.


"The USC Volunteer Center offers an Alternative Spring Break Program which we chose to participate in. The focus of our trip was environmentalism and eco-tourism; basically we all wanted to understand how we could be responsible tourists and interact with the environment positively," explained Samantha Kaplan, Student Coordinator for the USC Volunteer Center.

 

The Alternative Spring Break Isla Mujeres Group devoted most of their time and activities on Isla Mujeres, but spent three days in Akumal to get involved in conservation efforts. Over the course of those three days, the group learned about the reef, turtles, and the biodiversity in the area, as well as participated in multiple hands-on projects---a beach cleanup, in-water and beach monitoring, and preparing and painting nest markers for turtle season.

 

Reflecting on their participation with CEA, Kaplan writes, "It was an incredible experience for our group members. We were able to fulfill our goal of becoming responsible, conscious tourists. Cleaning the beach allowed us to realize the kind of horrific impact humans can have on the environment, so that we can make better choices about the products we use in the future and how we dispose of them. It was amazing to see the kind of impact we could make in just a couple of hours per day."

 

A big thank-you goes out to this very special group of enthusiastic, dedicated and inspirational Spring-breakers. 
A BIG THANK YOU!
Dr. Mauricio Hoyos and Saving Our Sharks

February 19 was Shark Day at CEA. Dr. Mauricio Hoyos, an expert in shark behavior, presented
White Sharks in Mexico--- giving the 40-plus attendees insight into the research and findings of white sharks in Mexico. 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
TURTLE TUESDAY

Inspired by a social media hashtag---#TurtleTuesday---CEA will be doing information on Tuesday evenings for those interested in learning more about turtles, nesting, conservation efforts and ways to help in Spanish and English.

No reservation required. No fee.

Everyone is welcome---kids, adults, locals and tourists.

WHEN?     Every Tuesday starting in June
(More details on time and location will be provided on the CEA website and facebook page)
GET INVOLVED WITH CEA
VOLUNTEER
Whether you are looking for an internship or ways to incorporate responsible tourism activities into your travel plans, drop us a line. We would love to hear from you and see how we can work together.  [email protected]

DONATE
Your contribution supports CEA's conservation programs.
Centro Ecológico Akumal's mission is to produce and promote strategies for ecosystem management in Akumal, through research, education and outreach, for sustainability in the Mexican Caribbean.