Scientific research in the Tamaulipas Coastal Zone,Mexico:: implications for its coastal management

The perspectives of an efficient coastal management organization for the Tamaulipas Coastal Zone in Mexico are analyzed. With seven coastal municipalities, Tamaulipas has nevertheless 430 km of littoral and the largest estuarine area in the country (231,200 ha). The main activities there are: cattle breeding, fisheries and local manufacturing and urban development is actively increasing, concentrating in the Tampico-Ciudad Madero “Metropolis.” All of this affects significantly the many important natural ecosystems present. Following a comprehensive literature search and field visits to the area, it was made clear that the State's coastal zone is largely unknown scientifically. The organization of the Country Administration for its management of natural resources is overviewed and the criteria for the selection of the nine areas considered prioritary for ecological protection or conservation are explained. The main challenges facing the area with respect to an efficient coastal management are: (1) to close the gap in its scientific knowledge and make available all existing and future information to interested parties, (2) to modify the Administration organization to make the application of legal tools more efficient (3) to encourage open discussion, exchange of ideas and interactive forums among the different sectors (scientific, administrative, public and private organizations).