Veracruz Reef System National Park and Biosphere Reserve (Mexico)

Veracruz Reef System National Park and Biosphere Reserve (Mexico)

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Veracruz Coral Reef System National Park and the Sistema Arrecifal Biosphere Reserve comprise flats, islands, and reefs in the Gulf of Mexico on the inner part of the continental shelf. The area harbors resident, transitory and migrant fish, operating as a barrier against waves and storms.

Veracruz Reef System National Park

Veracruz Reef System National Park (NPVRS) is located in the State of Veracruz, opposite the municipalities of Veracruz, Boca del Río, and Alvarado, with a total surface of approximately 80,945 ha (312 sq mi).

The Veracruz Coral Reef System comprises flats, islands, and reefs on the inner part of the continental shelf, rising from a depth of close to 40 m (130 ft). The area regulates the climate and operates as a barrier against waves and storms.

Isla de Sacrificios ("Island of Sacrifices") is an island in the Gulf of Mexico, situated off the Gulf coastline near the port of Veracruz in Mexico. The waters surrounding the island are part of the National Marine Park.

Veracruz Reef System National Park borders the Lobos-Tuxpan Coral Reef System to the northwest and the Campeche and Yucatán Coral Reef System to the east.

Map showing area of Veracruz Reef System National Park

Map showing area of Veracruz Reef System National Park

Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano Biosphere Reserve

The Sistema Arrecifal Biosphere Reserve harbors resident, transitory, and migrant fish. The latter only cross the area as part of their annual migratory routes, such as in the case of the Atlantic Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) and the King Mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla).

The importance of the coral reef system arises from its relevance for fisheries. Among the pelagic species of commercial interest, included are the Tarpon (Megalops atlantica), the Crevalle Jack (Caranx hippos), the Horse-eye Jack (C. latus), the Bar Jack (Caranx ruber), the Jurel (Caranx cirus), the Permit (Trachinotus falcatus), and the Atlantic Bonito (Sarda sarda).

Of the species living on the seabed, the following are present: the Black Grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci), the Scamp (M. phenax), the Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus), the Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara), and the Snappers Lutjanus jocu, L. griseus and L. analis, and the Flounders Bothus lunatus and B. ocelatus.

Commercial catches in the area comprise 89 species of fish, four species of shark, two species of ray, one species of lobster, and two species of octopus.