Mexico Unveils Sonora’s New Artificial Reef Featuring Sunken Naval Vessel

On February 1, 2026, the coastal waters of San Carlos Bay in Sonora, Mexico, became the site of a landmark environmental event: the official inauguration of the Sonora Artificial Reef System (SAAS) Underwater Museum. President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo presided over the ceremony, which featured the deliberate and controlled scuttling of the former naval vessel "Corrientes." This ship is destined to become a vital sanctuary for diverse marine life, marking a significant step in regional conservation efforts and marine habitat restoration.

Recognized as one of the most ambitious projects of its kind in Latin America, the SAAS initiative utilizes fourteen decommissioned naval assets to construct a complex underwater habitat. Beyond traditional ships, the project incorporates specialized equipment such as a helicopter and an aircraft to foster biodiversity. Situated strategically near the iconic Tetakawi Hill, the system is designed to harmonize marine preservation with the growth of sustainable tourism, offering new economic avenues for local coastal populations through eco-conscious diving and environmental education.

The journey toward this underwater sanctuary began in March 2022 with the sinking of the "Santos" (PO-106), a move that has already yielded measurable ecological benefits, including the return of various fish species and invertebrates. As of the recent inauguration, ten of the fifteen planned structures have been successfully deployed. This impressive collection includes four major vessels, a helicopter, an airplane fuselage, an amphibious vehicle, and three pieces of naval artillery. Notable additions to the reef alongside the "Corrientes" include the "Santos" (submerged March 3, 2022), the "Suchiate" (BI-05, March 15, 2024), "El Tanín" (March 30, 2025), and "De La Fuente" (PC-208, April 12, 2025).

Repurposing retired naval vessels into artificial reefs is a globally recognized strategy for rehabilitating marine ecosystems under pressure from overfishing and climate change. Projects like SAAS are engineered to augment natural reef systems and assist in carbon sequestration, providing a buffer for the ocean's health. A critical component of this process is the meticulous decontamination of every vessel before it is submerged, ensuring that no pollutants compromise the safety of the marine environment or the divers who will eventually explore these sites.

By establishing the SAAS, Sonora is positioning itself as a premier destination for diving and ecotourism within Latin America, mirroring successful models found in other Mexican coastal regions. These previous initiatives have demonstrated that sunken vessels can effectively stimulate local economies and support small businesses. Furthermore, the project emphasizes the role of environmental education in coastal communities, serving as a vital tool for social adaptation and fostering a deeper public understanding of the necessity for sustainable development in the face of global ecological challenges.