Empower Jamaican Fishermen to Restore Marine-Life

WHITE RIVER FISH SANCTUARY SITUATION REPORT

The White River Fish Sanctuary continues its mission to safeguard marine resources through strategic protection, restoration initiatives, and community engagement. This report outlines the Sanctuary’s recent achievements, current challenges, and future objectives.

1. PROTECT- Strengthened Patrol Efforts and Law Enforcement

• Collaborative Patrols: Over the last six months, the Sanctuary’s fisher-warden patrol team has partnered with the Marine Police Ocho Rios division. This has significantly bolstered patrol operations and enhanced enforcement within the no-take zone.
• Legal Proceedings: There are currently two court cases underway against repeat offenders. These legal actions serve as a deterrent and underscore the seriousness of enforcement efforts in preserving marine life.

Resumption of Patrols

• Expanded Coverage: Thanks to renewed support, the warden program has resumed patrols with a team of six wardens, providing up to 16 hours of coverage daily.
• Reduced Violations: This strong on-the-water presence helps deter illegal activities, ensuring that the progress made toward rebuilding fish stocks is maintained.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Along with active patrolling, fisher-wardens continue to repair boundary markers and support coral restoration teams, reinforcing the Sanctuary’s conservation goals.

2. RESTORE - Coral Nurseries and Adaptation-Based Gene Banking

• Coral Survey: A comprehensive coral survey is planned for completion in 2025, aiming to cover most of Jamaica’s north coast. This effort will identify surviving corals from last year’s mass die-off and guide targeted restoration work in the Ocho Rios Marine Park.
• Growing Repositories: Two new repositories currently house nearly 1,000 ramets (fragments) of critically endangered coral species, representing over 10 genetic lineages. By the end of 2025, the Sanctuary aims to build up these nurseries to 20,000 coral micro-fragments, significantly enhancing the scope and impact of its gene banking initiative.
• Climate Change Resilience: This diverse coral collection represents Jamaica’s first adaptation-based gene banking effort—an essential step toward establishing more resilient coral populations against climate threats.

3. ENGAGE - Educational Outreach

• School Programs: Three local schools—MarJam Prep, Pimento International Academy, and Newstead Primary—have participated in this year’s environmental education program. Topics include Jamaica’s major coastal ecosystems, marine wildlife, and the impacts of pollution.
• Local Fishing Community Training: In preparation for the upcoming coral survey along the north coast, the Sanctuary has introduced coral identification training programs for local fishing communities. This initiative educates fishers on identifying coral species and best practices for conservation, fostering a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and responsible fishing practices.
• Community Stewardship: Future initiatives will focus on reducing pollution through community-led stewardship programs, targeting the upper watershed of the White River. Engaging residents in underwater activities fosters a direct connection to downstream effects, promoting responsible environmental practices.

4. LOOKING AHEAD - Funding and Support

• Immediate Needs: Continuous financial backing is crucial to sustain the renewed patrol efforts, maintain boundary markers, and secure staff resources needed to protect the Sanctuary effectively.
• Collaboration Opportunities: The Sanctuary remains open to partnerships with government agencies, large donors, and environmental groups to ensure ongoing stewardship and restoration efforts.

Call to Action

• Community and Donor Engagement: Every contribution, no matter how small, directly aids in strengthening patrols, protecting coral nurseries, and expanding educational outreach.

By resuming patrol coverage and advancing restoration and education initiatives, the White River Fish Sanctuary is bolstering its long-term commitment to marine conservation. Continued collaboration and funding will remain essential in preserving these vital ecosystems for future generations.

Links:

• https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20241218/uk-govt-announces-j27m-jas-marine-conservation-efforts