Is river pollution to blame for the explosion of sargassum growth?

Is river pollution to blame for the explosion of sargassum growth?

Reaserchers point to pollution from rivers in South America and the United States as the likely cause of rapid sargassum growth. The sargasso sea was first observed by Christopher Columbus in 1492. However, since that time, that relatively small patch of seaweed has been transformed into a floating island of biomass spanning over 5,600 miles….

Climate change could put Yucatán’s water supply in jeopardy

Climate change could put Yucatán’s water supply in jeopardy

Scientists in Yucatán warn that within a couple of decades, saltwater could contaminate the drinking water supply of the entire peninsula.  Because the water basin in much of Yucatán is so close to the surface, rising sea levels would be disastrous. The problem has already begun to manifest in some areas of the Riviera Maya,…

Last vaquitas could suffer for fisherman’s fatal clash with environmentalists

Last vaquitas could suffer for fisherman’s fatal clash with environmentalists

Mexico is considering reducing the protected area for endangered vaquita porpoises after a fisherman’s death led to accusations that the government cares more about marine animals than its own citizens. An estimated 10 vaquitas are left in the world, residing in the northern Gulf of California or Sea or Cortez. The government’s most recent analysis…

Mexico’s tree-planting program actually results in less forest in Yucatán
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Mexico’s tree-planting program actually results in less forest in Yucatán

An investigation into a program meant to preserve Mexico’s forests shows how good intentions can result in unintended consequences. Dozens of saplings grow scattered around charred tree stumps in the hills of Yucatán and Campeche, thanks to Mexico’s vast reforestation program, Sembrando Vida, or Sowing Life. But so too is the burned-out clearing. In this part…

Navy agrees to cancel shooting exercises on island sanctuary

Navy agrees to cancel shooting exercises on island sanctuary

Mexico’s Secretariat of the Navy has canceled shooting practice on a preserve north of Isla Mujeres amid rising opposition against the plan. The Fifth Naval Region had indicated that nearly two weeks of exercises were scheduled on Isla Contoy starting Tuesday. Ch’ooja Ajauil AC and fishing cooperatives in the area complained that shooting ammunition at…

New rules in Yucatán ban the use of polystyrene
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New rules in Yucatán ban the use of polystyrene

Yucatán has announced a statewide polystyrene ban effective June 19. The news comes on the heels of similar measures taken in December, intended to eliminate the use of plastic straws and some types of plastic bags.  Harry Rodríguez Botello Fierro, Yucatán’s ecology commissioner, highlighted the importance of the polystyrene ban and suggested that the state…

Over 10 tons of garbage removed from 35 cenotes
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Over 10 tons of garbage removed from 35 cenotes

Some of Yucatán’s treasured cenotes continue to be a dumping ground, the divers and volunteers who clean them can attest. Cenotes are deep natural wells fed by groundwater, which make for popular swimming spots amongst locals and tourists. They are also easily accessible sources of water for remote communities. “We have been extremely active in…

Mérida leads way on an initiative to reduce food waste

Mérida leads way on an initiative to reduce food waste

Mérida is chosen — with Montreal and Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula — to spearhead a new initiative to reduce food waste.  North America’s Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) estimates that every year the USA, Canada and Mexico waste a combined 168 million tons of food.  The CEC campaign encourages education and offers materials through its…

Swarms of locusts spotted in Mérida spark concern
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Swarms of locusts spotted in Mérida spark concern

Residents of Mérida have reported locusts in Fraccionamiento Los Héroes. Known for their ability to reproduce and migrate extremely quickly, locusts are a species of grasshopper known for destroying crops and any vegetation when present in large numbers. The swarm in question seems to be relatively small and has only been spotted in the west…

‘Bee Lady’ from Campeche scores victory on Monsanto

‘Bee Lady’ from Campeche scores victory on Monsanto

Leydy Pech, a 55-year-old apiculturist from Campeche, has won a historic legal victory against corporate giant Monsanto. Mexico’s supreme court ruled in favor of Pech — also known as the “bee lady” — who argued that genetically modified soybean crops were adversely affecting the livelihoods of indigenous peoples and the ecosystem of southern Mexico.  The court also…

Pink flamingos found illegally packed in crates at Merida airport
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Pink flamingos found illegally packed in crates at Merida airport

Traffickers tried to steal six pink flamingos, packed into three wooden boxes found later at the Merida airport, authorities told local media. Five of the iconic, endangered species were rescued but were suffering from dehydration. One died during the ordeal. Their wings were also clipped, authorities said. Personnel from the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection…

New laws on sprawl to address Merida’s flooding crisis

Construction rules in Merida’s north, where developers have been building malls and housing developments in the past several decades, will have to be re-written to address the realities of a shallow water table and inevitable climate change, experts said. Record rainfall has left newer housing developments flooded and anything built underground — like underpasses and…

Black witch moths appear in Yucatan, an ominous omen for some
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Black witch moths appear in Yucatan, an ominous omen for some

The yellow-green butterflies have exited stage left. Now the black witch moths have entered in their place. Dubbed locally as the “mariposa de la muerte” or “butterfly of death,” the Majanás are moths that have begun to appear across Yucatan, carrying with them a bit of local lore. Many think their appearance is ominous, perhaps even…

Pork processing company doesn’t deserve award, says Greenpeace
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Pork processing company doesn’t deserve award, says Greenpeace

Greenpeace Mexico has openly questioned an environmental award accepted by a pork processing conglomerate in Yucatan. The Yucatecan Entrepreneurship Foundation (Feyac) recognized Grupo Porcícola Mexicana — also known as Kekén — as a “socially responsible” company. But Greenpeace denounced the company for being at odds with Mayan communities whose sacred lands gave way to their environmentally…

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