The documentary El Tesoro de Alacranes (The Treasure of Scorpion Reef), by award winning journalist Alberto Tinoco, invites us to look beyond history and treasure — and instead focus on what truly matters: the living reef, full of biodiversity and so fragile, yet barely known. Alacranes Reef, located far out in the Gulf of Mexico, depends completely on vigilance, scientific monitoring, and coordinated institutional work to remain healthy.
For a year now, Sea Shepherd has been working alongside local communities and the Government of Mexico to protect this unique reef and invited Alberto to document the mission.
Watch Now: El Tesoro de Alacranes (70mins)
Watch On YouTube
The documentary was filmed over two weeks aboard Sea Shepherd’s vessel “Sharkwater”, that took Alberto and his crew to not only Alacranes Reef but also to one of the newest and largest marine protected areas in Mexico called Bajos del Norte. They dived extensively across the spectacular coral formations of these national parks, and the result is a remarkable film that we are glad to share with you.
A unique — and vulnerable — marine ecosystem
Alacranes Reef shelters corals, reef fish, turtles, sharks, and a rich marine life that demands peace, stability, and protection to thrive. But its isolation presents major challenges: illegal fishing, unregulated tourism, anchoring damage, and vessel traffic threaten its balance. Even a single careless action can cause damage that the reef may take decades to recover from.
Who protects the reef: institutions — and civil society
Saving Alacranes Reef is not a one-actor job. It requires cooperation among local communities, government agencies and civil-society organizations.
Along with Mexican institutions such as the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) and the Navy (SEMAR), Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has become a key partner in the real-time protection of Alacranes Reef. We have engaged with local communities in protection efforts, joint patrols, scientific and environmental surveillance, deterrence of illegal fishing and support for enforcement agencies.
In short: by teaming up with authorities, Sea Shepherd helps transform parts of the Gulf into zones where marine life — and ecosystems like Alacranes Reef and Bajos del Norte— have a fighting chance.
Why this matters: more than a reef, a symbol de marine stewardship
Alacranes Reef — through the lens of El Tesoro de Alacranes — emerges as more than a remote coral formation. It is a symbol of what cooperation between government, science and civil society can achieve.
When agencies like CONANP and SEMAR set regulations and enforce laws, and organizations like Sea Shepherd add consistent presence, monitoring and environmental advocacy, the chances of preserving biodiversity increase dramatically.
What we see at Alacranes— the vigilance, the patrols, the dives, the community involvement — is a living demonstration that marine conservation isn’t passive: it demands commitment, coordination, and constant action.
El Tesoro de Alacranes reminds us that the most valuable thing under water isn’t a chest of colonial coins — it’s the living reef, coral gardens, fish, turtles and ecological balance. Protecting that treasure requires more than good intentions. It requires people willing to watch, to act, and to defend what’s fragile. Sea Shepherd — along with local communities, SEMAR and CONANP — shows us how it can be done.
Enjoy the film!
Take the Next Step for Scorpion Reef
If you're ready to help keep our ships between vulnerable wildlife and dangerous poaching, make a gift now. If you want to understand the mission more deeply, explore how our crews and partners protect Alacranes Reef year round.
