The Mooring Buoy Project
This project, started in 1993, was initiated and managed by BICA, and financed by a local insurance (Reef Fee). Scuba divers paid $1 for the use of the decompression chamber in case of a diving accident. The project was initiated in order to prevent the damage on the fragile coral reef ecosystems by dropped anchors.
Moorings provide safe, permanent anchorage, mark popular dive sites and even serve as reference points for research. Utila’s Moorings utilize a marine galvanized chain which runs through the entire length of the buoy, ending in a large shackle for easy tie-up. The chain is carefully attached to solid formations, large sand screws or weights.
BICA initially placed around sixty buoys, and provided regular maintenance, cleaning them every two months and replacing damaged ones. Today, the Municipality of Utila manages the Reef Fee and charges $3.00 per day per diver. There are currently 90 buoys and plans to place more as needed.
Click on Dive Buoy Map for an interactive, updated map (Google Maps format).