by David Nuñez
The following article was shared with government agencies, other NGOs, dive shops and the press last month. There was a great response on behalf of everyone except those actually responsible—the SeaDream Company and the government Since the issue was first brought to attention, it appears that from now on the SeaDream II will be anchoring at Xpu-Ha instead. While this is good news for Puerto Aventuras, Xpu-Ha also lacks the facilities to receive a ship of that size. Let us hope that the SeaDream II does not cause any damage there.

On December 10, 2004 the cruise ship SeaDream II arrived at Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, which had not until then been an authorized port of call for cruise ships. Although the SeaDream Company sells itself as a “yacht club,” its ships have 55 rooms and carry close to 200 people (110 guests, 90 personnel). This is clearly not a yacht, but a cruise ship. Perhaps the legal definition of yacht allows for this nonsense; I don’t know. Neither do I know what sort of authorization or permits the boat has.

But it doesn’t matter, because what I wish to bring your attention is the serious damage to the reef that the ship caused during its stay. As can be seen in the photographs, the anchor chain lay directly on top of the reef and caused severe damage to corals and sponges, leaving deep furrows of destruction as it dragged back and forth on the ocean floor.

Although the Harbor Master apparently dismissed the incident, PROFEPA (the Mexican government's environmental law enforcement agency) did take it seriously and, responding to the demands of the community, began an investigation. Let us hope that the results will be forthcoming soon.

If we have piers built specifically to receive this kind of ship, why are they allowed to anchor anywhere they please?

I would like to ask the government to seriously evaluate this incident. Until there are proper measures in place to prevent this sort of damage, the SeaDream’s permit to visit Puerto Aventuras—or any other port that lacks the proper infrastructure to receive it—ought to be revoked.

We ask the press to follow up on this issue, carry out its own investigations, and report them to the public.

It is worth mentioning that Puerto Morelos and Punta Soliman are also scheduled stops on the SeaDream’s itinerary. I’d like to ask the citizenry to remain vigilant, and to document and report any damage if it occurs.

To the NGOs that work to protect the natural resources of the region and of México, I ask that you share this information and take any measures they see fit.

Finally, I would like to ask the SeaDream Company to accept its responsibility and offer a public apology to the community of Puerto Aventuras and to the residents of the Riviera Maya.

If you share our concerns, please communicate your thoughts to the SeaDream Company at info@seadreamyachtclub.com.

And if you are going to take a cruise, you might consider investigating the activities of the cruise ship company before you travel and be an observant guest once on board. How they manage their waste materials or where they anchor are examples of questions you might ask. Unfortunately, many cruise ships dump their garbage in open waters, in the early morning hours, so no one sees them. If you witness any destructive activities, please let the company and/or authorities know. Industry responds to the clients—as a customer you have great power.