Don’t forget to protect isolated reefs off the Gulf of Mexico

Protecting reefs is becoming increasingly important for regions like the southern Gulf of Mexico where tourism and population is rising. In the past, at first glance, isolated reefs in particular seemed to be relatively safe from the harmful impacts of man-made industry, being cut-off compared to other reef systems. However, in recent times, is this still the case, particularly in areas that have been unprotected?

Fabio Favoretto is a marine ecologist who conducted ecological research at isolated reefs off the coast of the southern Gulf of Mexico. The research team went diving with underwater measurement tools, counting and measuring the marine life in isolated reefs. Some isolated reefs are protected from the dangers of overfishing, however some are not. Fabio and the research team made some striking discoveries about how the states of protected and unprotected reefs compare.

Above: Large predators like this large grouper are a sign of good health of a reef when in high abundance. Large fishes are the main target of fishermen. Photo credit: Mares Mexicanos, Diego Gamero. All rights reserved.