Cleaning the outer channel of Chalacatepec lagoon

As a first step in restoring the hydrology of the Chalacatepec lagoon, the Laguna de Paramán Fishermen's Cooperative organized it’s members to manually clear the external channel. This action consisted of cleaning the water lilies and other aquatic vegetation that obstructed the circulation of the sluice gate, which essentially acts like a dam when it cannot be opened periodically. To maintain healthy circulation, the water inside the lagoon has to drain and be replenished by the river and ocean water at regular intervals to bring in new larvae, nutrient,s and oxygen. This is necessary to maintain primary productivity and ecosystem health.