Park rangers in Panama’s Bastimentos Island National Marine Park began installing a network of eight mooring buoys this week. The initiative, funded by the Fundación Natura, aims to shield sensitive coastal ecosystems from anchor damage caused by tourist boats.
This first phase saw four buoys with stainless steel chains placed at Cayo Zapatilla No. 2. The project forms a core part of a broader marine management and conservation plan. Its immediate goal is to organize public use and navigation in areas close to popular beaches.
Officials from Panama’s Ministry of Environment (MiAMBIENTE) stressed the ecological urgency behind the move. The buoys provide a safe alternative for boat operators, directly preventing anchors from scouring the seabed. This protects vital coral reefs and seagrass meadows that thrive near the shoreline.
“This is crucial for organizing authorized vessel anchoring and reducing anchor impact on seagrass and coral reefs,” a MiAMBIENTE spokesperson stated. [Translated from Spanish]
Rangers plan to install all eight buoys before the upcoming Carnival holiday period. Visitor numbers to the park typically surge during this festival, increasing the risk of accidental anchor damage. The timely completion is considered a key preventative measure.
Education and Enforcement Back New Infrastructure
Installing the buoys is just one component of the strategy. The ministry has scheduled environmental education sessions for tour operators and boat captains. These sessions will explain the proper use of the new mooring system.
Regular inspections will also check the condition of the buoys and chains. These maintenance efforts will ensure the system’s long-term functionality. Park rangers complement this work with constant aquatic and terrestrial patrols across the isla bastimentos area.
Their patrols enforce environmental regulations and protect the park’s biodiversity. The rules are grounded in the 1988 resolution that created the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park and a newer 2024 resolution regulating public use of the protected zone. This holistic approach of infrastructure, education, and vigilance is standard for managing a sensitive parque nacional.
Panama’s Bastimentos Island National Marine Park is a biodiverse hub within the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Its health is economically vital for the local tourism industry. The new buoy system represents a practical investment in preserving both the ecology and the economy of the region for future visitors.