This region, which was once full of mangrove forests and rich biodiversity, has undergone drastic environmental changes due to various factors such as global warming, semi-industrial trawling, the clearing of mangroves to build tourist resorts, and ocean acidification. 

In addition, coal exports through the multimodal port in the municipality of Tolú have increased marine traffic and generated much more pollution because the coal is stored in open-air yards. The indigenous community of El Palmar, in the municipality of Santiago de Tolú, complains that the land no longer produces as it once did due to the polluting effects of this fossil fuel and reports that many people in the area suffer from respiratory diseases and that the land is damaged.

Oil spills in the Gulf waters have also had a significant impact over the last 10 years. Two of the most recent spills have caused oil slicks, and the impact of this type of pollution on beaches can last up to 12 years, causing species to disappear and damaging the food chain.

Seismic exploration carried out near the deep-sea coral park has also had a negative impact on ecosystems due to the significant impact these explosions have on the seabed. On many occasions, artisanal fishermen find species of grouper floating in a state of decomposition, without any clarity or sufficient information as to why this is happening.

The communities of the four municipalities that make up the Gulf of Morrosquillo are joining forces to reclaim their ancestral rights. Many leaders agree that they must work together to restore the biodiversity of the environment.