MARINE PARK GROUP
In
January 2005, a group of concerned individuals and business
owners collaborated to form the Sandy Bay West End Marine
Park Association (a separate entity from the pre-existing
park management). Their initial goal was to eliminate poaching,
a threat to many important reef species including the Nassau
grouper, Caribbean spiny lobster and Queen Conch. Over time
and with persistence and determination, the Marine Park Association,
along with additional supporters, have been able to finance
and operate 2 patrol boats. Having hired 4 boat captains and
with the help of the national police, patrols operate during
the night, day and dawn, dramatically reducing the threat
of poaching. After almost 20 months of constant patrolling,
divers and visitors have all reported seeing more fish life
on every dive, an indication that our patrolling efforts have
been a success.
Mission of the Marine Park Group
To facilitate enforcement of Honduran environmental
protection laws, provide infrastructure to reduce impacts
of human activities on the marine environment, educate to
create a sense of environmental responsibility among local
communities, and conduct research to inform local decision
makers on appropriate action to protect the marine environment
from human impacts.
Vision
It
is our vision to have a healthy and sustainable marine environment
in Roatan that is capable of carrying out its ecological
function while maintaining its capacity to provide ecosystem
goods and services (fisheries, tourism, aesthetic and cultural
values) that foster sustainable livelihoods.
Objectives
- Eliminate
poaching and illegal fishing practices within the Marine
Park.
- Encourage
and support environmentally sensitive tourism and sustainable
community development in an effort to reduce threats to
the coral reef ecosystem.
- Increase public
awareness of the importance and value of living coral reef
ecosystems through formal and informal education.
- Strengthen
community-based efforts to protect coral reef ecosystems.
- Facilitate
an active research program involving educational institutions
and an ongoing monitoring program.
- Create employment
opportunities and scholarships for the benefit of the local
population.
See information brochures
produced with WWF
funding:
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