There are no zoning laws on the islands. The layers of reed are easily enlarge-able, making the surface area of a floating island change with time. Walking on the cushion of reed can be precarious. A mis-step through a sodden, weakened area leads to a quick soak.
The islands are part of the Titicaca National Reserve, created in 1978 to preserve 37 thousand hectares of marsh reeds in the south and north sectors of Lake Titicaca. The reserve is divided into two sections, Ramis, in the provinces of Huancané and Ramis; and Puno, in the province of the same name. The reserve protects over 60 species of native birds, four families of fish and 18 native amphibians species. There are three islands in the lake, Huaca Huacani, Toranipata and Santa María.