Extending nearly 700km from the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico to the Bay Islands off Honduras, the Mesoamerica Reef is the largest reef system in the Americas. This network of coastal wetlands, lagoons and mangrove islands supports nearly 60 coral, 350 mollusk and 500 fish species. Marine turtles, manta rays and sharks can also be found. WWF has been working in the region for several decades, promoting and supporting reef conservation efforts at the local, national and regional levels to combat growing pressures from coastal development, unsustainable tourism projects, pollution and overfishing. The jewel of Caribbean coral reefs is the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) - extending nearly 700km from the northern tip of the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico to the Bay Islands off Honduras. It is the largest reef system in the Americas and includes several world heritage sites. Coastal wetlands, lagoons, sea-grass beds and mangrove forests provide a habitat for many threatened and endangered species. Unusual geographical features include an array of patch reefs and faros in a deep shelf lagoon, a diversity of reef types in a small geographical area, and large offshore mangrove cays. Activities include: 1. Establish a protected area with appropriate zoning and management objectives. 2. Develop habitat restoration activities for bird species: long-tailed ground roller (Uratelornis chimaera), subdesert mesite (Monias benschi). 3. Build local capacity for conservation and ecological monitoring. 4. Develop partnerships with development agencies to promote sustainable alternatives. 5. Develop sustainable financial mechanisms.