It is declared a Protected Natural Area, with the character of National Park, the area known as Puerto Morelos Reef, located in the municipality of Benito Juarez, in the state of Quintana Roo. The area is composed of a polygon corresponding to the buffer zone, within which are located nine subzones of management. These areas are considered fragile and sensitive environmental systems, for which the general public must abide by the respective Management Program and the provisions contained in the Decree published on February 2th, 1998 in the Official Gazette of the Federation.
Natural Protected Area for the conservation of biodiversity with International Designation: RAMSAR site with registration number 1343.