Protected Areas
New Campaign Launches to Protect Scorpion Reef in Mexico
Sea Shepherd has joined a new campaign at Alacranes Reef, working in support of Mexican authorities to help defend this critical marine ecosystem. Aboard the Sharkwater, our crew is conducting daily patrols, gathering scientific data, and responding to illegal fishing in coordination with government agencies.
Coordinated Patrols with Mexican Authorities
Sea Shepherd is operating under a joint framework with CONANP, SEMAR (Navy), PROFEPA, CONAPESCA, and SEPASY. Together, our teams are patrolling the waters surrounding Isla Pérez, including Alacranes Reef and Bajos del Norte, zones where fishing is limited or prohibited to protect marine biodiversity.
Each day, small boats from multiple agencies deploy from Isla Pérez to inspect vessels, document violations, and support conservation. SEMAR provides armed personnel to assist with security and enforcement. Strategy meetings happen regularly to ensure patrols remain adaptive and aligned.
Illegal Fishers on the Run
During a recent patrol, Sharkwater crew spotted a vessel operating inside the restricted zone, likely targeting endangered caracola snails. Upon realizing they’d been seen, the poachers cut their anchor rope, accelerated at full speed, and threw multiple bags overboard before escaping to open waters. Divers searched the drop site, but the bags could not be recovered and no arrest was made.
Since that incident, patrols have noted entire days with no vessels present, an indication that pressure from this coordinated presence is already discouraging illegal activity.
Science and Surveillance Underwater
Each afternoon, CONANP, Sea Shepherd, and research divers known as the Sirens conduct dives to assess reef health and collect invasive lionfish for analysis. Samples are delivered to the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY), contributing to Mexico’s broader marine science efforts.
These dives reinforce protection at depth while ensuring the campaign contributes directly to scientific understanding of the reef’s condition.
New Tactics to Counter Poachers
Following repeated encounters with fast-moving poachers, the team is now launching pre-dawn patrols, using multiple boats to approach from different directions and limit potential escape routes. These new tactics are coordinated with SEMAR and CONANP to increase interdiction capacity during the hours when violations are most likely to occur.
This level of coordination allows Sea Shepherd to support enforcement without assuming an enforcement role, a key principle of the partnership.
Supporting an Ongoing National Effort
This campaign reflects Mexico’s commitment to protecting Alacranes Reef, and Sea Shepherd’s commitment to providing operational support. With crews returning every two weeks and working in full collaboration with federal agencies, this reef is being watched, studied, and defended.
This is what collaboration for conservation looks like.
Join the Fight
Illegal nets removed. Poachers deterred. The reef still needs defenders. Power the mission with a monthly donation.
