For spring break this year I headed down to Cabo Pulmo, Mexico with my family. Mexico is home to some of the most successful marine parks, including Cabo Pulmo. This area is home to the oldest of the three coral reefs on West North America and the only coral reef in the Sea of Cortez. It is a national park, UNESCO site, and Rasmar wetland.

Above the surface you can see animals like whales and dolphins. Humpback whales migrate down to the Sea of Cortez to mate and give brith every year. The sea is rich in nutrients and food, providing the ideal nursery for calves.

Under the surface, eels, urchins, nudibranches, and sea spiders inhabit crevices while salps and ctenophores float with the currents. Around the corner you might just get lucky enough to spot bull sharks cruising the sandy floor.

Cabo Pulmo is a beautiful place and these creatures are protected through laws, but, but the longevity of the program is ensured through education. Marine conservation is taught in every level of school and is a part of life. Science, observations, and art all come together to reiterate the importance of conservation.

The marine park is home to phenomenal underwater views, and the SCUBA masters are extremely knowledgable about the area. They continuously educate tourists on how to respect the coral reefs and ecosystem. They’ve seen how much the waters have changed both for the better (increased biodiversity since designation as marine park) and for the worse (increased regional pollution and die off of coral reefs) and constantly try to do their part to educate, clean, and enjoy.

Cabo Pulmo is a small, dirt road town. At every corner there are containers for sorted recycling and emphasis on consumption reduction.

Do your part by…..

Reducing

• plastic bottles
• plastic bags
• styrofoam
• single use
• fast fashion

Increasing

• product longevity
• reusable bags
• thermoses
• carbon offsets
• natural fibers
• knowledge