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Tracy Gunn

Biomap (Biomapa); by Rodrigo Quiñones Reyes, in Isla Mujeres

Updated: Apr 28


photo credit @jaspersblueworld

This collection of sculptures lies within MUSA, in the Manchones National Park just off the coast of Isla Mujeres. At first glance, these statues seem quite abstract compared to the others in the museum, but they are designed to be viewed from above.


What at first appears to be just piles of rocks from a distance seems, at closer inspection, to be a collection of little Chinese houses or gazebos, topped with either a pointed pyramid-shaped roof or a hemispherical one. This makes them excellent habitats for marine life, and it is common to see Arrow Crabs, Eels, and Lobsters making their homes in them.

However, this view of the collection is misleading of the artist's intentions. They are designed to be viewed from above and represent a biological map of the world. A place in the world where the fish could be given shelter with the idea of a map that gives life.


Set apart from the other statues within MUSA, the Biomap is located North of the Silent Evolution and East of The Bankers. It is easy to traverse this section of MUSA as small mounds of rocks guide you from one section to the next.


Thank you to Roberto Diaz of MUSA and his fantastic staff for helping me learn the meanings and artists' intentions behind each statue.

If you are genuinely interested in knowing more about MUSA, take some time out of your day and visit the headquarters in Cancun. The history is impressive, and the new statues planned for future installations are incredible.


Depth

9 meters / 30 feet

Experience Level

Entry Level, Beginners, and all levels of certified divers

Average Visibility Underwater

20-30 mt / 66-99 feet

Average Water Temp

28 C°/ 82F°

Dive Time

45 minutes (Parque National Rules)


To view the fish surveyed here with reef.org, click HERE.


DM Mapping Project Craig Nadeau



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