Water quality in natural protected areas in Cancun, Mexico: A historic perspective for decision makers

Economic activities carried out in coastal zones have brought about changes in them. One of the most evident and harmful is eutrophication. In the northern zone of the Mexican Caribbean, the city of Cancun is a major hub for tourism activities and many of them are carried out in natural protected areas, which are particularly vulnerable owing to the proximity of urban areas. In this research, we measured the physicochemical parameters of water in two climatic seasons, and compared them in perspective (2006–2019) in order to identify changes over time. Four polygons in two natural protected areas were studied, differences according to their physicochemical parameters were identified by means of spatial and temporary comparisons. We compared our results with data from previous years and found an increasing trend in nutrients concentration and high variability in the quantification of silicates and chlorophyll a. Cadmium was found at concentrations over recommended levels for protecting aquatic life. Critical and vulnerable points of this Caribbean coastal zone are identified. In addition to complying with the analyses required by national regulations, it is proposed to choose N, P and chlorophyll as the parameters permanently measured by entities with multi-annual budgets. This sort of analysis will enable better decision-making, creating and modifying plans and actions for the management and conservation of the Greater Caribbean.