It is declared a Protected Natural Area, with the character of Biosphere Reserve, the archipelago known as Islas Marias, located in the Mexican territorial sea of the Pacific Ocean. The area is integrated by a polygon corresponding to the buffer zone, within which are located three nucleus zones named Isla Maria Magdalena, Isla Maria Cleofas and Isla San Juanito. These areas are considered to be fragile and sensitive environmental systems, for which reason the general public must abide by the provisions of the respective Management Program and the provisions contained in the Decree published on november 27th, 2000 in the Official Gazette of the Federation.
Natural Protected Area for the conservation of biodiversity with International Designation: World Heritage in the year 2005; MaB in the year 2010.