Marine
Park
Due
to the diligent efforts of the Loreto community, The Bay
of Loreto National Marine Park was created by a Presidential
Decree and approved by the Mexican Federal Congress on July
19, 1996. The Park covers 2,065 square kilometers in the
Sea of Cortez ranging from Isla Coronado in the north to
Isla Catalana in the south. On July 14, 2005, the Park was
inscribed to the United Nation’s list of protected
World Heritage Sites. With over 800 species of marine life
inhabiting the Sea of Cortez and while many of them are
currently endangered, the need for protection of these delicate
ecosystems is great.
Shortly after the Marine Park was created, the U.S.-based
Nature Conservancy took notice and offered to help with
the conservation of the Park. Funds raised through The Nature
Conservancy created Grupo Ecologista Antares (GEA), a non-profit,
environmental association whose programs and efforts over
the past ten years have made it the organization most effectively
addressing environmental issues in the Loreto region.
GEA’s Visitors Center features marine natural history
displays and a marine conservation library, and it has become
the central meeting place for park officials, marine researchers,
local citizens, tourist and students from the world over.
Currently, GEA has plans to develop and establish the Eco
Center of the Sea and Desert, a station for education and
research for the protection and preservation of the marine
life in the Park as well as the flora and fauna of the desert.
It is GEA's intention to share the facility and its resources
with others working in the Sea of Cortez for the protection
of marine life.
GEA's long term goal is to protect fishery populations and
the diversity of marine life in the Bay of Loreto National
Marine Park. This is accomplished by monitoring fishing
activity and enforcing regulations that protect marine life
in the Park. Enforcement of park regulations in such a vast
area is still a challenge even though much progress has
been made.
GEA conducts field and classroom conservation education
programs for youth (Young Explorers) and the community.
In cooperation with the Loreto Marine Park, GEA installs
and maintains appropriate informational signs and decals
promoting the protection of turtles and other marine species
on the islands within the Loreto Marine Park and at the
Marina.
Specifically, GEA works with the Loreto National Marine
Park to ensure the protection of two much endangered marine
animals—the whales and the sea turtles. Every winter
the Loreto Marine Park provides a safe haven, for the whales
to be studied, observed and protected.
GEA continues to work with the sea turtle conservation network,
Grupo Tortuguero de las Californias in an attempt to regenerate
the population of the endangered sea turtles that live in
the Sea of Cortez. On January 27 - 29, 2006 the 8th Annual
Meeting of Grupo Tortuguero was held in Loreto. Over 300
were in attendance including scientists, environmental educators,
students, community members, youth, and others who want
to bring turtles back to the waters of the of the Sea of
Cortez by preventing their unnecessary killing for consumption
or as "by-catch" in fishing gear. GEA received
the esteemed 2006 “Orantes Award,” the most
important award among all the member groups of Grupo Tortuguero.
Tax deductible donations to GEA are being accepted through
the International Community Fund (ICF) in San Diego through
the Amigos de
GEA Fund. For more information on how you can help protect
the delicate ecosystems in the Bay of Loreto National Marine
Park, please visit www.geantares.org/mx
and the site of the newly formed Baja Life Foundation at
www.bajalifefoundation.com.
