Northern Baja’s coast is once again in danger, this time involving a marina project at world famous point break San Miguel, a barreling right that has earned its reputation as one of North America’s best. This world-class wave has not only been the site of numerous surf-contests and brought millions of dollars to the local economy, but it has also held enormous historical importance to Mexico’s surfing. Thousands of surfers - both local and international - use this recreational zone every year, and yet, once again, developers and the government have looked passed this “sub-culture” to instill economic growth for an elite few - who are not the least bit concerned about the negative environmental and economic impact their project will likely have on the local community.
An unspecified, multi-million dollar resort development company is joining forces with the Sauzal harbor to extend the original harbor approximately 185 acres further out into the coastal waters, which will engulf world famous San Miguel point and obliterate the waves. Local surfer and oceanographer, Jose Puig stated, “The area will be completely engulfed by the marina, ruining the natural coast.” This $370 million dollar project, titled “Marina San Miguel,” will harbor 550 yachts, and is being brought to the table along with a 21 acre five star resort proposed by the unspecified company.
An article published on February 4, 2007 in a local newspaper, Ensenada.net, http://www.ensenada.net/noticias/?id=9591 plainly states the company's plans for the project, and claims that this project will increase economic growth in the area by providing more jobs. Save the Waves environmental research director, Christine Garcia, thinks otherwise. “This project will negatively affect the national economy,” claims Garcia, “due to the devastating impact that this marina will have on ecotourism, and the destruction of San Miguel’s waves and oceanic biodiversity”.
The Mexican surfer community is already uniting to try to put a stop to the marina, as it would not only bury the wave but also would ruin one of the last remaining public beaches on the north side of Ensenada Bay. The Surfrider Foundation and Save the Waves Coalition are joining forces to campaign against this project. Please join the effort by signing our letter addressed to the local governors of Ensenada and national representatives of Mexico.
Save the Waves needs your support! A donation will greatly help us continue our conservation work, as well as our ongoing effort to educate the world's government and industry leaders that surf spots are an invaluable and irreplaceable asset to any coastline.
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