# Mexican artificial reef development projects

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mexican-artificial-reef-development-projects
> Updated: 2026-11-04T16:20:09.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3.

Various regions in Mexico are implementing artificial reef systems to enhance marine biodiversity and support local economies through tourism and fishing.

In Michoacán, the Secretariat of the Environment (Secma) is planning the Michoacán Artificial Reef System off the coast of Lázaro Cárdenas. The project involves sinking two decommissioned Navy dredgers, the ‘Magdalena’ and ‘El Farallón’, which were donated by the Mexican Navy (Semar). Alejandro Méndez López, head of Secma, stated the initiative aims to enrich the maritime ecosystem, strengthen local fishing, and boost the coastal economy. Authorities are currently processing environmental impact statements and seeking necessary dumping authorizations.

In Sonora, the San Carlos artificial reef system reached a milestone with the controlled sinking of the Ex-Azueta (PO-122) patrol vessel. This vessel, which served for over 40 years in maritime surveillance and search and rescue, is the 15th of 16 planned artifacts for the Sonoran Artificial Reef System (SAAS). Scientific monitoring has documented over 52,000 marine organisms from 37 species inhabiting the existing structures.

In Colima, the Mexican Navy (Semar) recently conducted a controlled sinking of the former patrol vessel ARM Baranda near Punta Juluapan in the bay of Santiago, Manzanillo. Positioned at a depth of 25 meters, the Baranda joins the Colima Artificial Reef System (SAAC) to provide habitats for marine life. This follows the sinking of the ARM Cora on October 16. The project is a collaborative effort involving the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources, the Secretariat of Tourism, and the Government of Colima to support eco-tourism and scientific research.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-04: Mexican Navy sinks ex-vessel Baranda to create artificial reef

The Mexican Navy has sunk the former patrol vessel ARM Baranda off the coast of Manzanillo to create an artificial reef for marine life conservation and sustainable tourism.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexican-navy-sinks-ex-vessel-baranda-to-create-artificial-reef

### 2026-10-28: Sonora sinks Ex-Azueta vessel to expand artificial reef system

Sonora officials and the Mexican Navy sank the Ex-Azueta patrol vessel in San Carlos to create an artificial reef, boosting marine biodiversity and sustainable diving tourism.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/san-carlos-expands-artificial-reef-system-with-sunken-vessel

### 2026-10-25: Michoacán to create artificial reef using donated Navy dredgers

Michoacán will establish an artificial reef in Lázaro Cárdenas by sinking two decommissioned Navy dredgers to boost biodiversity, fishing, and tourism.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michoacn-to-create-artificial-reef-using-donated-navy-dredgers

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Cite as: Mexican artificial reef development projects. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mexican-artificial-reef-development-projects