# Alacranes Reef ecological status and research > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/alacranes-reef-ecological-status-and-research > Updated: 2026-10-09T20:50:16.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Alacranes Reef National Park in the southern Gulf of Mexico is a massive protected area characterized by significant biological diversity. The ecosystem supports numerous coral, fish, and shark species, as well as several sea turtle varieties and over 100 bird species. The reef also provides economic stability for local fishing families. A binational research study conducted by the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has documented the ecological state of the park. Using specialized teams, researchers monitored coral bleaching, utilized drones to count nesting seabirds, and surveyed marine debris and plastic pollution. Compared to forty years ago, when fishing and wildlife collection were allowed, the area has undergone ecological changes since becoming a protected national park. Recent observations include active sea turtle emergence and the presence of queen conch and various shark species. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-09: Alacranes Reef undergoes ecological transformation through conservation Researchers from the US and Mexico conducted a binational study of the Alacranes Reef, documenting coral health, seabird populations, and marine debris in the protected Mexican national park. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alacranes-reef-undergoes-ecological-transformation-through-conservation ### 2026-10-03: Alacranes Reef National Park hosts diverse marine life in Mexico Alacranes Reef National Park in Mexico is a massive protected ecosystem featuring the southern Gulf of Mexico's largest coral structure and diverse marine life. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alacranes-reef-national-park-hosts-diverse-marine-life-in-mexico --- Cite as: Alacranes Reef ecological status and research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/alacranes-reef-ecological-status-and-research