Manzanillo, Mexico | Artificial Reef System Development with Sunked Ships to Promote Marine Conservation in the Bay of Santiago

Manzanillo, a Pacific Ocean port city and resort in the Mexican state of Colima, known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, numerous coral reefs, shipwrecks and dive sites, a renowned destination for surfing, water sports and deep - sea sportfishing with a high concentration of marlin, will be the site for the development of an artificial reef system that will be created with sunked ships to promote marine conservation in the Bay of Santiago.

In an effort to promote ecotourism, marine conservation and sustainable economic development, the Government of the State of Colima, through the Undersecretary of Tourism and in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Navy, announced the creation of SAAC, Colima’s first Artificial System.

This innovative project will take in the waters of the Bay of  Santiago, a gulf characterized by having become a favourite destination for locals more than 50 years ago, highlighted by its quiet beaches and blue waters, ideal place for for families who prefer staying at the numerous hotels in the area and close to shopping and entertainment centre, in front of the captivating Juluapan Peninsula, a popular area known for its natural beauty, luxury vacation rentals and offering diverse opportunities for adventure enthusiasts.

The project contemplates the controlled sinking of two former ships donated by the Secretariat of the Navy : the ocean patrol “Baranda” and the tugboat “Cora”.

Currently, both vessels have already completed their service cycle and are undergoing a meticulous cleaning and decontamination process, following the highest environmental standards, with the aim of being submerged in November 2025.

Once on the seabed, those structures will serve as a basis for the formation of new habitats, promoting the regeneration of marine life such as corals, fish, muolluscs, and other species will find new home here. 

This initiative goes further and it will include the creation of an underwater museum with themed sculptures and naval artifacts.

In addition, there will be an environmental education program aimed at children, with activities that promote respect and care for the marine environment from an early age, a proposal makes the AAC a conservation space, and a cultural and educational attraction.

The AAC took inspiration from the successful SAAS, Sonoran Artificial Reef System and is shaping up to be the second artificial reef system with a tourist vocation in Latin America, which will have benefits that go beyond the environment.

This development promises a positive impact on the local economy, expected to be a driver for the increase in overnight visits, the demand for tourist services such as hotels, diving, gastronomy and maritime transports, as well as to boost marine scientific researches.

The project is aligned with the State Development Plan 2021 - 2027, and represents a joint work between the Undersecretary of Tourism of the State of Colima, the Secretariat of the Navy, the Institute for the Environment and Sustainable Development of Colima, and the City Council of Manzanillo.

With the inauguration of the SAAC, Manzanillo will strengthen its tourism offer beyond its famous beaches and port life, from diving on artificial reefs to discovering underwater sculptures, visitors will have one more reason to admire the natural and cultural richness of the region enjoying in addition this new attraction.

Link - https://infoturlatam.com/colima-crearan-arrecife-artificial-con-buques-hundidos-en-manzanillo/