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Los Arcos: A Shelter for Life and Natural Beauty
by Biol. Oscar S. Aranda Mena |
 A natural site of great historical importance to our city is just a few miles south. This site of great beauty and environmental importance has been intensively exploited for decades by tourism service providers, while being all but ignored (and sometimes forgotten) by many of the inhabitants of the region. Rediscover Los Arcos! A place of legends and mysteries Although it is a legend that has been forgotten by recent generations, some fishermen say that a long time ago, the Los Arcos rocks once caused a boat to sink that had the gates made of gold that are now guarded by a fish, named 'mere' so big that its eyes are size of a dish. And although nobody has been able to find the famous ship, it is believed that it is very possible that it exists, though possible minus the golden doors of the legend, but simply that it is a vessel called "Golden Gate". It is also said there was a helicopter that crashed in the area a few decades ago, but sank so deep that no passengers were ever located, nor the crew. Another deep-rooted belief that there is a sea monster; a version of this story heavily circulated a decade ago, and also that there is some truth to the legend, and strangely-shaped fish occasionally emerge, surprising the fishermen themselves, who are not local species but that from very deep water, such as the "paddle fish (Regalecus sp.), which can measure up to 11 meters in length.  Stories come and go, from strange events, to deaths and even ghosts. The truth is that Los Arcos is located in a very complex area, where one side leads to a submarine canyon where the ocean floor suddenly falls steeply to depths of over 600 meters, while the other side is just 3 meters deep. These characteristics, combined with the currents, rocky reefs and sandy bottom create a richness and diversity of unique species. A window to admire nature These islets with their vegetation provide an ideal home, with no natural predators, to many varieties of birds that have chosen to stay and breed. Thus far it is the most important site in the Bay for brown pelicans, where hundreds nest in every available space. It is amazing to see the great balance that exists in this almost undisturbed place, where thousands of birds of different species share the same branch or the same space on the rock. Moreover, below the surface there are 6 different types of habitats, each with specific conditions which have attracted at least 93 different species of reef fish. Although visibility can vary greatly from day to day, now is the best time to dive because the water tends to be clearer at lower temperatures. Paradise threatened Despite a decree in 1975 declaring Los Arcos as a protection zone of marine flora and fauna, there is effectively no monitoring. So many boats cast their anchors nearby daily, damaging the coral. Furthermore, even when fishing is prohibited, protected species are being caught as well as starfish and corals removed as souvenirs. Despite being a site with ideal conditions for increasing numbers of species of marine fauna, a study in 1999 revealed that there are reasons to suspect that the pressure caused by uncontrolled tourism activities are causing this decrease in species richness. It is highly encouraging to note a new colony of booby bird pairs that have chosen to live in one of the rocks, showing that, at least for birds, these islands remain safe. However, the lack of information and lack of interest from the local public and the authorities could turn to Los Arcos into desolate and empty rocks. Their future depends on us. Now is a good time to take a trip to this wonderful site, where you will undoubtedly spend a memorable morning above or beneath waves, and of course, please remember the golden rule: leave for others the same opportunity to enjoy this wonderful natural sanctuary! |
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