Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano. 02/02/04; Veracruz; 52,238 ha; 19°08'N 096°00'W. National Park. Just offshore the city of Veracruz, this National Park in the Gulf of Mexico comprises 23 coral reefs in two distinct areas, rising from depths of around 40m. The reef is very rich in fauna and a favorite diving destination, boasting 84 different coral species, 339 mollusks, 47 sponges and 140 crustaceans. There are large seagrass beds, and pioneer coastal dune vegetation, coconut palms and mangroves are present in the emerged keys, as well as the Florida Cherry palm Pseudophoenix sargentii. Three main rivers have outlets in the vicinity, La Antigua, Jamapa-Atoyac, and Papaloapan, jointly discharging significant amounts of freshwater and sediments in the area, which pose a problem of turbidity. Additionally, water pollution comes from sewage and industrial waters from Veracruz and large vessels navigating close to the reefs. Overfishing is also affecting populations of lobsters, octopi and other species. In spite of these pressures, the recovery rate of the reef is greater than that of others in the Gulf of Mexico. The Veracruz Aquarium carries out monitoring of turtle nesting in the keys and a management plan is being drafted for the site. Ramsar site no. 1346. Most recent RIS information: 2004.