Cozumel to reduce diver numbers?

[MMM]

I came across this posted on Cozumel Insider. No timelines indicated.

Park Permits
Although applications for new permits will not be accepted for another six months, it appears that no new permits will be issued, and that the number of permits will be reduced so as not to place a burden on the coral reefs. Currently there are 236 licensed boats capable of carrying 4,000 divers a day, but this number is to be reduced to 3,000 and then 2,500, with the remainder to be taken to artificial reef systems.

 

[Diver Kat]

I came across this posted on Cozumel Insider. No timelines indicated.

Park Permits
Although applications for new permits will not be accepted for another six months, it appears that no new permits will be issued, and that the number of permits will be reduced so as not to place a burden on the coral reefs. Currently there are 236 licensed boats capable of carrying 4,000 divers a day, but this number is to be reduced to 3,000 and then 2,500, with the remainder to be taken to artificial reef systems.

Yikes!! I guess first I'd have to say I had no idea that up to 4000 divers were allowed a day - seems like an awful lot. But if they're going to start bumping off dive ops to reduce numbers, how will all that work?

 

[MMM]

But if they're going to start bumping off dive ops to reduce numbers, how will all that work?

I'd guess attrition, but maybe a dive op can fill this in as I won't be down there to ask personally for a few months.

 

[deco_martini]

It seems like as soon as you have a few dive ops on an island, they form a watersports association with government backing that prevents new competition.

Typically, environmental causes become front groups for commercial interests.

I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out that some of the big name dive ops on Cozumel were actually involved.

 

[hammer67]

Read the next one down (Cozumel Insider)

Mexican Banks Fight Money Laundering
In further efforts to combat drug trafficking and money laundering, the federal government through the Bank of Mexico has prohibited Mexican banks from transactions in US dollars, but only allowing those with Canadian dollars or Euros. This has caused a 50% drop in bank client activity on the island. This has impacted tourist service providers and businesses related to tourist activities as well as the business interests of the banks in the state. Deposits are allowed, but not money exchange of pesos for dollars.

 

[deeper thoughts]

Read the next one down (Cozumel Insider)

Mexican Banks Fight Money Laundering
In further efforts to combat drug trafficking and money laundering, the federal government through the Bank of Mexico has prohibited Mexican banks from transactions in US dollars, but only allowing those with Canadian dollars or Euros. This has caused a 50% drop in bank client activity on the island. This has impacted tourist service providers and businesses related to tourist activities as well as the business interests of the banks in the state. Deposits are allowed, but not money exchange of pesos for dollars.

Does this mean that you can no longer exchange dollars at the ATM and hotels?

 

[Christi]

Read the next one down (Cozumel Insider)

Mexican Banks Fight Money Laundering
In further efforts to combat drug trafficking and money laundering, the federal government through the Bank of Mexico has prohibited Mexican banks from transactions in US dollars, but only allowing those with Canadian dollars or Euros. This has caused a 50% drop in bank client activity on the island. This has impacted tourist service providers and businesses related to tourist activities as well as the business interests of the banks in the state. Deposits are allowed, but not money exchange of pesos for dollars.

This has been in effect for awhile - but you can still change USD to pesos and vice versa at the change houses which are scattered around town.

As far as the permits - they haven't issued any new permits in YEARS. The only way to obtain park permits for a boat is to purchase a boat that is already permitted or to purchase permits from someone that is willing to sell them and transfer them to a boat approved by the MP. These permits are $$$$ since they are so hard to come by.

 

[scubavaquera]

Hi,

I am wondering if we ought to start a new thread about this. My boyfriend, who is a DM on the island was just telling me about this. He wasn't sure when this was going to go into effect, but he was under the impression that they were not even going to be able to deposit american money into their bank accounts anymore. He has heard that companys/corporations will be able to, but not personal accounts. This article says that they can, but all of the divemasters are pretty worried because so most of their tips are in american dollars and they are used to being able to spend them (as are the rest of us). He thinks we are all going to have to switch over to pesos for our tips and that the local places will stop accepting dollars because they won't be able to deposit them. Maybe someone who lives there now can shed some light? I think right now, there are lots of rumors and I'm not sure what the facts are. He mentioned that he also thought the ATM's were only going to be giving pesos now and not USD. I go in two weeks and would like to know if I need to plan on having plenty of pesos for tipping with. I hate to see this change, but if/when it does I want to be ready.

 

[ggunn]

Hi,

I am wondering if we ought to start a new thread about this. My boyfriend, who is a DM on the island was just telling me about this. He wasn't sure when this was going to go into effect, but he was under the impression that they were not even going to be able to deposit american money into their bank accounts anymore. He has heard that companys/corporations will be able to, but not personal accounts. This article says that they can, but all of the divemasters are pretty worried because so most of their tips are in american dollars and they are used to being able to spend them (as are the rest of us). He thinks we are all going to have to switch over to pesos for our tips and that the local places will stop accepting dollars because they won't be able to deposit them. Maybe someone who lives there now can shed some light? I think right now, there are lots of rumors and I'm not sure what the facts are. He mentioned that he also thought the ATM's were only going to be giving pesos now and not USD. I go in two weeks and would like to know if I need to plan on having plenty of pesos for tipping with. I hate to see this change, but if/when it does I want to be ready.

FWIW, one of the first things I do when I get to Cozumel is to empty my wallet of US$ and get pesos from an ATM. I use pesos the whole time I am there so I don't have to deal with an exchange rate that may be one thing at one place and another somewhere else. It's a lot easier just to think in pesos.

 

[BTravlin]

And usually cheaper too.