Loreto Bay National Marine Park and the New Management Program Loretanos Designing the Future of Loreto

Marzo 2020 / No. 6 @Rafael Villegas Loreto Bay National Marine Park and the new Management Program Loretanos designing the future of Loreto

PNBL and the management program

The Plan includes new zoning ties of the area. most important change is participants in this pro- in the future, and would In 2009, the Park Ma- an increase in the size of cess agreed that, without risk losing its main source and bans harpoon fishing, nagement Program was no fishing areas from a healthy National Park, of income. Loreto’s future revised. At least 40 repre- 108.4 hectares to 6,219.3 Loreto would not be able depends on the recovery fishing with traps, and the use sentatives from different hectares. The MP also to sustain tourist demands of the health of the Park. of jet skis within the Park sectors met and worked prohibits spear fishing, for more than five months fishing with traps, the use ith the the PNBL Management analyzing the modifica- of jet skis, whale watching objective Program, which is a modi- tions. The opinions and with boats larger than 12 of stren- fication of the one publi- suggestions obtained in meters and adds restric- gthening shed in 2003. these work shops were tions on the use of the con- The update relied on incorporated into a lear- drones. Wservation of ecosystems the active participation of ning and negotiation pro- The MP includes new and their biodiversity, as users in the area (fisher- cess, to build a shared Fishing Recovery Areas well as promoting the sus- men, service providers, vision and ensure the exempt from any harves- tainable development of academics, civil society health of the Park as a ting or alteration activity, communities, the Natio- organizations and the ge- tourist destination. to ensure that resources nal Commission of Natu- neral public). The Mana- The Management Pro- survive and thrive over ral Protected Areas gement Program was a gram (MP) was revised time and thereby ensure announced on April 23, necessary response to the again in 2019 and includes the continuity of the rich 2019, the publication of new socioeconomic reali- new rules and zoning. The marine environment. The

3 Objectives of the Loreto Bay National Marine Park Management Program

Management Program The general objective of the Ma- the National Park. is the main planning nagement Program is to be the gui- Restoration: Recover and restore and regulation docu- ding instrument of planning and the ecological conditions which ment for any Natural regulation of the Loreto Bay Natio- existed prior to the influence of hu- Protected Area. The nal Park. It establishes the activities, man activities, allowing for the con- Adocument is based on the knowle- actions and guidelines for manage- tinuity of natural processes in dge of the problems faced by the ment and administration. The spe- ecosystems. Park, its natural resources and their cific objectives of the Park are: Knowledge: Generate, recover use. It contains actions to be carried Protection: To preserve the bio- and disseminate traditional or new conservation and sustainable prac- communities, institutions, groups out in the short, medium and long diversity of the National Park, to knowledge, practices and technolo- tices through environmental and social organizations interested term. The actions implemented stop the deterioration of the gies, which support the preservation education. in the conservation and sustainable must be adapted and based on the ecosystems. and sustainable use of the biodiver- Management: Establish the ways use of the Park. best management and conservation Operation: Through sustainable sity of Loreto Bay National Park. in which the administration of the policies and practices that guarantee projects conserve, protect, and res- Culture: Encourage the support National Park can be organized to the objectives set for the creation of tore the Park, and provide environ- of the surrounding communities of encourage the active participation the Natural Protected Area. mental training and education about the Loreto Bay National Park for of people, surrounding

4 Land Preservation Subzones (PreTI)

hese zones are loca- ble to human disturbance. endangered rattlesnake without The Park may install signs for ted in areas of the The subzone also includes rattles (Crotalus catalinensis). administrative and manage- National Park that Catalana Island. It covers an Therefore, it is important that ment purposes. have suffered zero or area of 3,938.40 hectares. On the activities in these locations Activities not allowed: minimal alteration of the island there is a great diver- encourage protection and a) Landing is not permitted Tthe habitat and have high eco- sity of flora and fauna, charac- preservation. except for scientific research logical value such as: biodiver- terized by giant biznagas cactus Allowed activities: Scientific and management activities of sity, presence of endemic (Ferocactus diguetti var. Digue- research and environmental the National Park and refuge for species, significant contribution ti), the highest in the entire Gulf monitoring, filming, photogra- fishermen on Catalina Island; to other ecosystems due to their of California. Another endemic phy and sound recording and b) Cleaning, processing or high productivity or because species is the critically scientific collection of wildlife. disposing of products from fi- they are areas of importance as shing activities; a genetic reservoir and a source c) Installing tourist and fi- of reproductive material. shing camps; d) Attaching boats to the Islets and Catalana Island rocks of the islets as an ancho- ring method; This subzone covers a total e) Constructing public and area of 3,957.60 hectares. It in- private structures; cludes the islets: La Islita, La f) Opening of new trails; Mestiza, Blanco, Las Islitas, g) Introducing exotic spe- Candeleros, Tijeras, Pardo, Las cies, including invasive ones; Galeras I and Las Galeras II. The and islets are nesting sites for nu- h) Making fires or any type merous birds and very vulnera- of burning.

5 Marine and Wetland Preservation Subzone (PreMH)

his subzone co- ecosystems. vers an area of 6,219.30 hecta- Wetlands Preservation res. It comprises Subzones different marine Tecosystems such as roc- Mangroves of the Meta- ky reefs and wetlands. tes: comprises an area of the city of Loreto, adja- the southern end of the These environments are 2.94 hectares, located cent to the population of coastal portion of the important because nu- west of Coronado the Zaragoza neighbor- National Park. In this merous species of com- Island. hood. This area corres- area the main vegetation mercial and ecological Punta El Bajo: covers ponds to one of the rain is mangroves. importance congregate an area of 14.06 hectares tributaries that flows Estero de Bahía Ba- in these areas. They are and is located in the sou- into the Natural Protec- landra: covers an area of places where there are thwest corner of Coro- ted Area, includes relics 6.07 hectares, is located ideal conditions for spe- nado Island, and of what was the wetland to the Northwest of the cies to live, multiply, and contains mangrove pat- where Loreto’s mission Carmen Island, and in- exchange genes and dis- ches with black man- was founded, and recei- cludes extremely small perse and colonize new grove species (Avicennia ves one of the most im- mangrove patches sites. Once they reach germinans). portant freshwater flows which have a high eco- maturity, they can move Estero las Garzas: co- in the region during the logical importance since to other areas where vers an area of 10.30 rainy season. they are the breeding they can be harvested, in hectares located in the Mangroves of Ligüí: habitat of numerous addition to providing peninsular area, south of comprises an area of species of commercial nutrients to other the population center of 6.56 hectares, located at interest.

6 in these areas are: Marine Allowed activities : Environ- mental education, scientific research and environmental monitoring, boat transit, and Preservation tourism with low environmental impact.

Activities not allowed: All Subzones types of fishing, extraction of seawater, aquaculture, ancho- ring in the reefs, dredging or arine Preservation during the first larval stages of other activities that disturb areas, also called numerous marine species. Ma- sediment, and wildlife extrac- fishery recovery or rine Preservation areas provide tion except for scientific non-fishing zones, opportunities for the observa- collection. Mare intended to tion of flora and fauna. maintain the conditions of re- The geophysical characte- presentative ecosystems. They Due to the characteristics ristics of the subzone provide have ecosystems represented described above, the Preserva- areas for refuge and rest of fi- by their high productivity and tion sub-areas are those areas shermen in bad weather; contribution of propagules in good condition that contain however it is important to spe- (larval stage, fry, juveniles and relevant or fragile ecosystems. cify that fishing is not allowed adults). It includes sites that Any activities in these areas in this subzone. These envi- serve as habitat and refuge for require careful management to ronments are important as numerous species of fish, mo- ensure preservation. The acti- areas where species @Rafa Murillo llusks and crustaceans, mainly vities allowed and not allowed congregate.

No Fishing Areas

ESTERO NOPOLÓ-LOS NIDOS

Covers an area of 460.20 hectares, located south of the city of Loreto and adjacent to the tourist complex of Nopoló. It includes a set of intertidal and subtidal coastal ecosystems of great ecological and economic importance, and a small estuary with three mangrove species that characterize Loreto wetlands. The rocky reef called Los Nidos is also located there.

ESTERO PUERTO ESCONDIDO - BARCO HUNDIDO

Covers an area of 613.20 hectares, located approximately 17 km south of the city of Loreto. It represents one of the largest and best pre- served estuaries of the Loreto Bay National Park. Due to its size, this area plays a very important role as a breeding habitat for numerous marine species. It is the habitat of numerous species of fish and invertebrates of commercial interest in their juvenile and larval states which take refuge in the mantles of rhodoliths, sargassum and mangroves. It should be noted that this area includes an artificial reef, made up of a navy ship that was sunk at the begin- ning of the century.

PUNTA FARO NORTE, DANZANTE

Comprises an area of 52.23 hectares, located in the north end of Danzante Island. It represents one of the areas with the most complex habitat in the region. Due to its steep formations and rapid bathymetric inclination, this tip has one of the most important populations of black coral (Antiphates galapagensis).

10 No Fishing Areas

PUNTA LOBOS (CARMEN ISLAND)

Covers an area of 102.40 hectares. It comprises one of the sites with the greatest populations of Gulf Grouper (Mycteroperca jordani), a species whose reproductive populations are located in the rocks at depths greater than 30 meters. This site has the po- tential to help this endangered species to recover and migrate into the surrounding area. This area comprises an exceptionally rich site for reef fish, and it is also one of the most important colonies of the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). PIEDRA DE LA CHOYA

Covers an area of 121.99 hectares, located on the northeast tip of the Carmen Island, it is one of the most productive underwater formations of the Lo- reto Bay National Park, with a reef that runs from north to south. It is a site of great importance for species considered vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature such as Gulf Grouper (Mycteroperca jordani), the Sawtail Grouper (Mycteroperca prionura) and the Leopard Grouper (Mycteroperca rosacea). It is also an area of great importance for ornamental fish listed as species subject to special protection such as the King Angel (Holacanthus passer), the Blue and Yellow Damsel, and the Mexican Castanet (Chromis limbaughi). This area also includes the islet known as La Choya. BAHÍA MÁRQUEZ – BAJO EL MURCIÉLAGO

Covers an area of 1,032.77 hectares, located in the southwest portion of the Carmen Island. It includes two unique and important underwater areas in the Loreto Bay National Park: the Picachos and the Bajo del Murciélago. The Picachos area is a site of spec- tacular beauty for recreational diving activities. Also, in this subzone is Bajo El Murciélago, a surrounding site about 30 meters deep.

11 No Fishing Areas BAJO EL CURRIGAN Comprises an area of 3,146.34 hectares, located to the south of Carmen Island and to the southwest of Danzante Island, also known as the Bajo del Finado Cuco. It is an underwater mountain range of more than six kilometers. On its west side it has a depression more than 800 meters deep that separates Carmen from Dan- zante Island. These bathymetric characteristics result in a site of important nutrient blooms, an important food source for species that visit the site. Large families of Common Dolphins (Del- phinus delphis), Blue Whales (Balaenopotera musculus), Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physa- lus), Bryde Whales (B. edeni), Humpback Wha- les (Megaptera novaengliae), among others, are frequently found feeding in the area. BLANQUIZAL (MONTSERRAT ISLAND) Covers an area of 103.98 hectares, located west of Montserrat Island. It is a sandy area that represents one of the last refuges of the Queen Clam (Megapitaria aurantiaca) and the Donkey Snail (Strombus galeatus). Both species are re- ported in studies of regional environmental history as abundant in the past and very scarce in the present. ZONA OESTE ISLA SANTA CATALINA

Covers an area of 542.43 hectares, located west of Catalina Island. It represents the only site in the region where the Solitary Coral (Fungia distorta) belonging to the genus Fungia is found. LA LOBERA, ISLA CATALINA

Covers an area of 3.83 hectares, located at the northeast end of the Catalana Island. It is the se- cond important colony of California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) in the Park.

12 Tourism and commercial line fishing (UTM-I)

he subzone comprises a total of subzone such as strong currents and wave 9,702.48 hectares, consisting of 16 energy, these surfaces are dominated by rocky areas which are sites of great im- and steep reefs. As a result of these physiogra- portance for sport, commercial and phic characteristics, fishing nets can be lost in tourism fishermen. Also, this sub- the rocks and remain for many years where Tzone includes sites where numerous species different species of fauna, including marine congregate including fish, molluscs, crusta- mammals, can be trapped. ceans, marine mammals, and birds. Only scientific research, environmental The areas of this subzone are: East Coro- education and tourism activities with low en- nado, La Islita (Coronado), Bajo de La Choya vironmental impact can be carried out in these (Northwest Carmen Island), Punta Tintorera locations. Where appropriate, subsistence and (North Carmen Island), Puerto La Vaca (North traditional fishing is permitted only with hook Carmen Island), North Bahía Márquez (Car- and line as well as sport-recreational men Island), Punta Perico (East of Carmen fishing. Island), Punta Baja (Southwest Carmen Is- land), Danzante Island, White Islet (Southwest of the tip of Danzante Island), Las Islitas (Dan- zante), Islotes Los Candeleros (South from Danzante Island), Islotes las Tijeras (Danzan- te), Islote Pardo (South of Danzante Island), El Cochi (North of Montserrat Island and surrounding the islets of Las Galeras) and Punta Cuervitos-Faro (East Coast of Montserrat Island). Given the oceanographic conditions that exist in the submarine points and bays of this

13 Islands (UTT)

his subzone comprises a total especially to Coronado Island, the Ma- This sub-area covers a total area area of 17,307.20 hectares. It nagement Program has limits on the of 7,803.24 hectares. Traditionally includes the islands Corona- capacities for each of the beaches. fishing is done by communities se- do, Carmen, Danzante and ttled in the areas surrounding the Monserrat. Due to the cha- The island beaches, especially on Park (area of influence). Sports-re- Tracteristics of the islands, and to main- Danzante and Carmen, are popular for creational fishing occurs in this area tain their ecological conditions, only camping. Rules have been implemented due to the presence of migratory fish vessels of up to 12 meters in length will that limit stays to no more than two ni- species such as Dorado, Swordfish be allowed to anchor. Allowing the an- ghts and three days per beach, per and Sailfish. It is a Mackerel aggre- choring of boats of greater length in- group. Registration is required prior to gation site, which allows fishermen creases the risks of impacts on these departure to reserve the beach for cam- to take advantage of migration runs. islands through grounding. ping. Registration is required for For commercial fishing, light nets self-guided groups, individuals and tour with mesh larger than 4 inches The islands have attractive beaches operators. should be used to prevent impact on for sun and beach tourism. Given the other marine resources and redu- tourist growth in recent years in Loreto MARINE AREA AROUND cing the risks of harming non-target and the high visitation to these beaches, CATALANA (UTM - II) species such as sea turtles.

14 General rules

Drones: Drones may be used for recreation greater than twelve meters long may be used purposes, except in proximity to sea lion co- for whale watching. lonies, bird nesting sites and near whales. Disembarkation in Islets and Catalina Is- With a permit, drones can be used for scien- land: It is not allowed. tific studies. With a permit, the permitted approach distance for drones is not less than: The Management Program and its Admi- • 10 meters for whales, for catching spout nistrative Rules are based on the provisions of samples, not more than twice a day per the Political Constitution of the United States individual; of Mexico. The Administrative Rules establish • 50 meters for sea lion colonies; and a series of provisions that visitors and users • 100 meters for bird nest colonies. must observe during their activities within the Sport fishing: Sports-recreational fishing Park. It should be noted that there are com- will only be done through the use of line and munities that traditionally carry out their hook. Fishing with harpoon or spear fishing is productive activities in the Natural Protected not allowed anywhere in the Park. Area and have also participated in its conser- Commercial fishing: Only by line and hook vation. It is necessary that these activities and with nets with mesh larger than 4 continue as long as they are strictly compati- inches. ble with the objectives, criteria and programs Jet skis: In order not to impact the species of sustainable use. of mammals and sea turtles present in the National Park, jet skis are not permitted. For more information consult the official Whale Watching: Whale watching can be document in the links that appear on the fo- done only with authorized boats. No vessel llowing page.

15 Loretanos for a Sea Full of Life

The Directorate of the Loreto Bay National Park thanks the academic institutions, civil society organizations, fishermen, service providers, developers, and all the people who helped complete this new Management Program: a guiding instrument to ensure long-term conservation. The conservation of this National Park, of the natural resources and of the services it provides is a shared responsibility of all those who are connected in one way or another with the Park. This task includes the activities that we jointly develop to improve our practices and behaviors, the innovations of the products that we harvest, and the determination to make this area a source of pride for Loretanos and all of Mexico.

The summary of the Management Program and the complete plan can be found at the following web addresses: https://www.conanp.gob.mx/programademanejo/resumenes/ResumenBahiaDeLoreto.pdf https://www.conanp.gob.mx/programademanejo/PMBahiaDeLoreto.pdf https://simec.conanp.gob.mx/ficha.php?anp=31®=1

Acknowledgements This publication of the Loreto Bay National Park Management Plan was made possible by funding from Keep Loreto Magical – a project of The Ocean Foundation.

Special thanks for the photographs go to Rafael Murillo Pelayo, Richard Jackson and Dolphin Dive Center.