ENHANCEMENT OF FORAGING HABITAT FOR BLUE

The northern coast of the state of Yucatan is characterized by intertidal flats with small patches of seagrasses beds surrounded by mangrove forest.

The area is flanked by two roads, resulting in physical barriers that are changing the hydrology of this coastal ecosystem and that resulted in hypersalinization of the intertidal area and loss of seagrass beds.

Increasing the freshwater inputs in the area improves conditions for optimal growth of seagrasses, an important source of nutrients for blue-winged teal and other waterfowl.

This project will enhance of 4,268 acres of coastal wetlands as foraging habitat by increasing the freshwater input through the dredging of natural springs, the opening of a network of channels and the dredging of culverts along the dirt roads. The activities will take place in the State Reserve Cienegas y Manglares de la Costa Norte.