Coastal habitats at Holbox Island and Yalahau Lagoon provide an array of environmental services. However issues related to the availability of freshwater and living space have grown at the Island by the increasing coastal migration and tourism-based economy. Holbox belongs to the Yum Balam Natural Protected Area; however no management plans are active. We have an ongoing research to study the water quality of 12 tidal inlets, which are geomorphological features of barrier islands, and hotels have been constructed nearby. Because no previous studies of the water quality of tidal inlets at Holbox Island exists, we will compare our results with values of water quality variables collected at 43 sampling sites throughout the Yalahau Lagoon.
Our results will provide understanding of processes related to water quality of near shore environments of Holbox Island that need management attention. The later information could help prevent further environmental deterioration of this small island which high touristic potential strongly depends on healthy ecosystems.

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