Overview of Study Areas and UNAM-Iztacala Student Research

Abstract

The State of Veracruz is located on the east coast of Mexico and consists of many shallow marine systems such as estuaries and coastal lagoons. These estuarine systems are ecological sites of great importance due to the interactions that occur between the intertidal zones and adjacent areas. This importance is reflected in the variety of natural components present in these sites as well as the large number of species that depend on this aquatic zone, such as birds, mammals, molluscs, crustaceans and fishes. Many of the crustaceans and fishes are consumed by the local inhabitants and distributed in commercial areas in Mexico City. It is estimated that Veracruz state is in fourth place in fisheries landings for the country, and contributes 10% of the total fisheries production. Academic personnel from the laboratories of Ecology and Zoology in the Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnapantla, Mexico have focused their research efforts since 1988 on two of the systems in Veracruz state, the Tecolutla River and the lagoonal system of Alvarado. Research in both locations has resulted in a number of professional theses by undergraduate students in the Biology Department at UNAM-Iztacala.