# Mexican artificial reef expansion projects

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mexican-artificial-reef-expansion-projects
> Updated: 2026-09-13T03:04:29.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Mexican state governments are utilizing decommissioned naval vessels to expand artificial reef systems aimed at marine conservation and tourism.

In Sonora, the Mexican Navy and state government completed the controlled sinking of the former patrol vessel ARM ‘Ángel Ortiz Monasterio’ near San Carlos Bay. This vessel marks the 14th addition to the Sonora Artificial Reef System (SAAS), which seeks to bolster biodiversity in the Gulf of California and support regional scuba diving tourism.

Similarly, the government of Tamaulipas is coordinating with federal agencies and academic institutions to expand its own reef system near Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira. This initiative involves the donation of ships and frigates from the Mexican Navy to create habitats for marine species, recover fishing resources, and promote sport fishing.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-13: Tamaulipas to expand artificial reefs using donated naval vessels

Tamaulipas authorities and the Mexican Navy are working to expand artificial reefs by sinking donated vessels to create marine habitats and support local fishing and tourism near Tampico.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tamaulipas-to-expand-artificial-reefs-using-donated-naval-vessels

### 2026-08-22: Sonora expands artificial reef system with sinking of former patrol vessel

The Mexican Navy sank the former patrol vessel ARM ‘Ángel Ortiz Monasterio’ off San Carlos, Sonora, to create an artificial reef and expand the Sonora Artificial Reef System.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sonora-expands-artificial-reef-system-with-sinking-of-former-patrol-vessel

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