- Environmental Conservation ·
Help Rebuild the Gulf of Mexico Barrier Reef
Help us save the reef through re-attachment, anti bleaching efforts and local community outreach activities in Mexico
- Mexico
- hello@actionchange.org
Project Summary
Project Challenge
Project Solution
Impact
Reports
Project Summary
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System is the second-largest barrier reef in the world and it has great biodiversity. Coral reefs are very delicate environments that are currently becoming increasingly threatened all over the world due to Coastal developments, pollution & hurricanes. The federal government is undertaking an ambitious coral reef aquaculture program to restore the reef ecosystem, which, done alongside the preservation work conducted by local NGOs will be vital to the reefs sustainability as well as marine life it supports.
Project Challenge
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is in critical condition. Due to global warming and tourism, it has become a fighting battle to try and save the 700-mile reef. This really is our last chance to save it. Our project is working with some of the best local conservationists in a number of projects to help restore and rebuild the reef while collecting primary data and producing essential scientific papers to help protect this area through the local and national government.
The Yucatan peninsula has a rich biodiversity that is threatened by the expanding development of the tourist industry. In Quintana Roo in only 35 years, the population grew 1220%! Development in most of the areas surrounding the reefs are having negative effects on the ecosystems and freshwater supplies, this is due to the lack of updated data regarding the marine ecosystems that can be integrated into the management plans. This negatively impacts the health of the reef as there are more coral diseases, bleaching & erosion and many species are threatened.
Project Solution
There are several NGO’s and government institutions working on different projects along the Yucatan peninsula focusing on integrative management strategies and to influence environmental regulation. The different programs go from creating no-fishing zones in the whole state, to develop integrative coral reef stress response, monitoring the reefs, coral restoration and creating policies that will help the marine environment. This project aims to assist with these programs by conducting research and gathering data around these areas as well as helping to rebuild and restore these incredible reefs.
Impact
Working with local partners, together we intend to identify, protect and preserve areas with high biodiversity, as well as those ones that are essential to maintain the ecological processes of the species. Restore areas of the reef that have been negatively impacted by placing coral nurseries and monitoring their evolution. We will also be developing management plans for the region, to work on capacity building and environmental education with the locals to ensure the protection and survival of these ecosystems for years to come.
Reports
Project Report | Mar 12, 2026
What is under the waves?
By Tyrone Bennett |Â CEO of Action Change
Hey everyone, Ty here!
We spend a lot of time talking about the land, but today I want to take you underwater. If you’ve ever snorkeled or dived in the Gulf of Mexico, you know it’s usually a neon-colored, buzzing city of life. But lately? It’s looking a bit like a ghost town.
Climate change, over-activity, and pollution have turned thriving coral ecosystems into a bit of a struggle. And here’s the thing: these reefs aren’t just pretty to look at. They are the frontline defense for our coastlines, they’re nurseries for the fish that keep our oceans healthy, and they’re the literal backbone of the marine environment.
The mission: Bringing the reef back to life We’re not just watching the reef fade away—we’re hitting the refresh button! We’re working with marine biologists and local partners on a massive restoration project. We’re talking:
Coral Nurseries: Growing resilient coral “fragments” in protected areas until they’re strong enough to be replanted on the reef.
Cleaning the “City”: Clearing away debris and pollutants that are choking out the life that’s trying to hold on.
Creating a “No-Go” Zone:Â Helping set up protected corridors where the reef can recover without being constantly disturbed by human activity.
Why it matters A healthy reef means a healthy ocean, and a healthy ocean means a safer, more vibrant future for everyone who lives on the coast. When the reef thrives, everything else follows.
Stay Awesome!
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System is the second-largest barrier reef in the world and it has great biodiversity. Coral reefs are very delicate environments that are currently becoming increasingly threatened all over the world due to Coastal developments, pollution & hurricanes. The federal government is undertaking an ambitious coral reef aquaculture program to restore the reef ecosystem, which, done alongside the preservation work conducted by local NGOs will be vital to the reefs sustainability as well as marine life it supports.
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is in critical condition. Due to global warming and tourism, it has become a fighting battle to try and save the 700-mile reef. This really is our last chance to save it. Our project is working with some of the best local conservationists in a number of projects to help restore and rebuild the reef while collecting primary data and producing essential scientific papers to help protect this area through the local and national government.
The Yucatan peninsula has a rich biodiversity that is threatened by the expanding development of the tourist industry. In Quintana Roo in only 35 years, the population grew 1220%! Development in most of the areas surrounding the reefs are having negative effects on the ecosystems and freshwater supplies, this is due to the lack of updated data regarding the marine ecosystems that can be integrated into the management plans. This negatively impacts the health of the reef as there are more coral diseases, bleaching & erosion and many species are threatened.
There are several NGO’s and government institutions working on different projects along the Yucatan peninsula focusing on integrative management strategies and to influence environmental regulation. The different programs go from creating no-fishing zones in the whole state, to develop integrative coral reef stress response, monitoring the reefs, coral restoration and creating policies that will help the marine environment. This project aims to assist with these programs by conducting research and gathering data around these areas as well as helping to rebuild and restore these incredible reefs.
Working with local partners, together we intend to identify, protect and preserve areas with high biodiversity, as well as those ones that are essential to maintain the ecological processes of the species. Restore areas of the reef that have been negatively impacted by placing coral nurseries and monitoring their evolution. We will also be developing management plans for the region, to work on capacity building and environmental education with the locals to ensure the protection and survival of these ecosystems for years to come.
Project Report | Mar 12, 2026
What is under the waves?
By Tyrone Bennett |Â CEO of Action Change
Hey everyone, Ty here!
We spend a lot of time talking about the land, but today I want to take you underwater. If you’ve ever snorkeled or dived in the Gulf of Mexico, you know it’s usually a neon-colored, buzzing city of life. But lately? It’s looking a bit like a ghost town.
Climate change, over-activity, and pollution have turned thriving coral ecosystems into a bit of a struggle. And here’s the thing: these reefs aren’t just pretty to look at. They are the frontline defense for our coastlines, they’re nurseries for the fish that keep our oceans healthy, and they’re the literal backbone of the marine environment.
The mission: Bringing the reef back to life We’re not just watching the reef fade away—we’re hitting the refresh button! We’re working with marine biologists and local partners on a massive restoration project. We’re talking:
Coral Nurseries: Growing resilient coral “fragments” in protected areas until they’re strong enough to be replanted on the reef.
Cleaning the “City”: Clearing away debris and pollutants that are choking out the life that’s trying to hold on.
Creating a “No-Go” Zone:Â Helping set up protected corridors where the reef can recover without being constantly disturbed by human activity.
Why it matters A healthy reef means a healthy ocean, and a healthy ocean means a safer, more vibrant future for everyone who lives on the coast. When the reef thrives, everything else follows.
Stay Awesome!
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