Mexico Creates Bajos del Norte National Park, New Protected Area in Gulf of Mexico | Oceana

Victory | January 10, 2024

Mexico Creates Bajos del Norte National Park, New Protected Area in Gulf of Mexico

The Mexican government created Bajos del Norte National Park following a campaign and scientific expeditions by Oceana and its allies. This marine protected area (MPA) in the Gulf of Mexico covers more than 13,000 square kilometers (5,000+ square miles) – and brings the country closer to its goal of protecting 30% of its ocean by 2030. Located off the coast of Yucatan, the new MPA will conserve coral reefs, while also helping recover important commercial species like groupers, octopus, and spiny lobster. Bajos del Norte National Park will also connect with the nearby Alacranes Reef National Park to form a conservation corridor for migrating species like sharks and turtles. In 2021 and 2022, Oceana and Blancpain conducted two expeditions to the area. Our findings, and the subsequent joint efforts of national scientists, civil society organizations, fishers, and the Mexican government, made this new MPA possible.