The Fish Sanctuaries Network: Jamaica’s Quiet Fisheries Success Story

Karl A. Aiken^1*, G. Andre Kong² , Oliver Squire³ & Inilek Wilmot⁴

Fisheries Consultant, 33 Gerbera Drive, Kgn. 6, Jamaica¹
& Fisheries Consultant, Maven Avenue Apartments, Kgn. 6, Jamaica²,
Oliver Squire , National Fisheries Authority, East Bustamante Port, Kgn.³,
Inilek Wilmot, Goldeneye Foundation, St. Mary⁴ *
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (corresponding author)¹

ABSTRACT

Jamaica formerly lagged behind other Caribbean nations in the introduction of fish sanctuaries, but this is no longer true. In 2009, the government introduced nine small fish sanctuaries distributed around the island; and in 2023, there were 18 such sanctuaries. The areas selected satisfied ecological and fisheries criteria and importantly, have an associated fishers group chosen to enforce these special protected areas. The initial introduction was the result of two years of collaboration by the National Fisheries Authority (formerly Fisheries Division), and fishers’ groups, in conjunction with the then Fisheries Advisory Board. Nearly all sanctuaries include sheltered coastal habitats with mangroves, sea grass beds, sand patches, and coral while having modest fisheries resources, primarily juvenile in size. Close collaboration with and participation of fishers is a key feature of all the sanctuaries. The 18 MPA’s now include one offshore at Pedro Bank, the island’s major fishing ground and nearly all are doing well. Post-introduction studies have demonstrated that most fish sanctuaries have succeeded in increasing fish species diversity, abundance, and mean fish lengths as well as the restoration of several missing apex predator species over time. Algal cover has also significantly decreased compared to pre-sanctuary conditions. Coral restoration activities also occur in some sanctuaries with some success. One significant success indicator was the call by other fisherfolk groups for fish sanctuaries to be introduced in their areas as generally, Jamaican fish sanctuaries have been quietly succeeding in increasing coastal fisheries biomass.

HOW TO CITE: Aiken, K.A., G. A. Kong , O. Squire and I. Wilmot, 2026. The Fish Sanctuaries Network: Jamaica’s Quiet Fisheries Success Story. Contribution 6.7, p443-454 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20^th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=937

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Sustainable Harvesting of Commercial Species in the Belize Exclusive Economic Zone

Silvana N. R. Birchenough, Andria Rosado, and Arlene Young *

Contact information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ,
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Cefas

ABSTRACT

The Caribbean region is widely recognised to be a hot spot for marine biodiversity. The area hosts a wide range of habitats and species of conservation and fisheries importance. The main and most economically important fisheries in the area concentrates on spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) and queen conch (Strombus gigas). These species are key to sustaining sources of protein intake, livelihoods, and economic trade for local Caribbean communities. These two species have fluctuated throughout the years and their distribution has remained in similar quantities in landings since 2005. The queen conch peaked in 2012 following high sample density and increasing shell length, whilst the spiny lobster has generally remained stable in terms of landings. However, there are limited datasets across some years, which have created gaps in the current assessments. The general concept of effort was described by the number of fishing days, which has generally increased from 1990 to 2011. The rate of change in effort from 2006 to 2011 was mirrored by that in queen conch landings, but these values were inverse when compared to the spiny lobster landings, due to limited distribution of conch resulting from over exploitation. The country’s new government and new ministries have enacted new legislation and new opportunities to continue to explore and protect queen conch and spiny lobster, whether by a remit for Marine Protected Areas (MPA) or under dedicated Nature-based Solutions (NBS) approaches. The need to acquire data and fast evidence to support these stocks under a changing climate (including ocean acidification) is of interest. A recent effort has called for an informed and participative compilation of a stakeholder-supported strategy. A solid management plan has been developed and implemented to support management and conservation in the face of climate change. This presentation showcases options to support management and conservation decisions over a robust stakeholder participation with active and transparent discussions, workshops and activities.

HOW TO CITE: Birchenough, S.N.R., A. Rosado, and A. Young, 2026. Sustainable Harvesting of Commercial Species in the Belize Exclusive Economic Zone. Contribution 6.2, p398 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20^thAnniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=932