North America’s Largest Marine Park Established in Mexico

Four islands and surrounding waters roughly the size of Illinois are now protected under Mexico’s Marine Reserve Act.

Mexico has designated more than 57,000 square miles off the eastern coast of the Baja Peninsula as a marine reserve, the largest in North America. The action preserves the region’s unique ecosystem, which includes more than 350 species of fish, dozens of shark species, dolphins, rays, sea turtles, lizards and seabirds. In addition, the government will monitor the waters in real time to aid in mapping commercial fishing within the park and educate local fishermen on best practices.

The area includes the Revillagigedo Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage site, made up of four uninhabited volcanic islands. Visitors to the Revillagigedo Islands often base themselves in Cabo San Lucas and travel there via boat, with scuba diving being an especially popular activity. Mexico’s commitment to the marine reserve will likely draw stronger interest from tourists. The park’s creation follows a trend of similar reserve projects initiated by the United Kingdom, Palau and Chile.

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