Are Marine Areas a Protection of Biodiversity or Are They Only Determined Areas for Economic Purposes? The Case of Isla Cozumel

A common issue in defining marine protected areas is the often-vague boundaries, despite widespread GPS use. Identifying conservation zones varies but generally involves assessing species diversity, with choices based on ecological or economic value—usually at the manager’s discretion. This study suggests prioritizing areas with maximum diversity, focusing on six reef groups: hard and soft corals, macroalgae, sponges, hydrozoans, and anemones. Data from photo-transects and species collections at 18 sites in Cozumel’s marine park were analysed using geostatistical Kriging to delineate zones. The results highlight the southern part of the island as the most diverse and in need of protection.