Sistema Estuarino Puerto Arista. 02/02/2008; Chiapas; 62,138 ha; 16°00' N 93°39'W. This estuarine system is a natural coastal wetland. The main flora species includes Pithecellobium dulce, Coccoloba caracasana, Acanthocerus pentagonus, Bursera excelsa, among others. In the estuarine zone, 4 mangrove species can be found (Rhizophora mangle, Laguncularia racemosa, Avicennia germinans y Conocarpus erecta). Its beaches are used as nesting grounds by the endangered marine turtles: Lepidochelys olivacea, Dermochelys coriacea and Chelonia agassizi. The presence of juveniles of Eretmochelys imbricata bissa has also been registered in the site. The site is considered an Important Bird Area (IBA), and supports many resident and migratory waterfowl such as Recurvirostra americana, Tringa flavipes, Tringa melanoleuca, Calidris minutilla. The main activities undertaken are fishing of subsistence, touristic activities, as well as furtive use of marine turtles that use this area for nesting.

Chiapas