Hope for Hanover fisherfolk as Lucea Fish Sanctuary opens

WESTERN BUREAU:

Fisherfolk in the Lucea area of Hanover now have a better chance of promoting environmental sustainability with the official opening of The Lucea Fish Sanctuary, and an office from which that operation will be monitored.

The office is located in the Elgin Town area. However, the gazetted boundaries of the fish sanctuary – which brings to 20 the number of such facilities in Jamaica – stretch from the former molasses shipping pier in Elgin Town, Hanover, going easterly to include a cove opposite the OceanPointe Housing Scheme.

The 20 fish sanctuaries gazetted across Jamaica cover approximately 11,000 hectares of the island’s marine space.

With several community members, along with representatives from several partner groups, sponsors, government organisations and agencies present in support of the environmental protection move by fisherfolk in the general Lucea area, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Floyd Green, emphasised the importance of such a facility to the national development plan.

He argued that the Government supports the opening of sanctuaries across the island, adding that such a move is recognised as an investment in the lives of the men and women who are engaged in fishing for a living, and also protecting food security for the nation.

Pointing out that experience has shown that fish stock in waters surrounding the island is somewhat depleted, he emphasised, while speaking at Wednesday’s event, that the opening and proper management of fish sanctuaries has brought about some amount of hope for better catches.

“The good news is that there is hope, because we have seen how when you establish these sanctuaries, and properly manage them, we can see the restoration of our fish population, and that has been the story of our sanctuaries … which brings back life to our marine ecosystem,” he stated.

Green pointed out that the Government’s support for fish sanctuaries is reflected in its introduction as a line item in the annual Budget, which now stands at about $80 million annually.

Investment in the future

Hanover Custos Lennox Anderson-Jackson underscored “the Government’s commitment to the protection of Jamaica’s marine resources and the sustainable development of the nation’s fisheries sector.

“The establishment of the Lucea Fish Sanctuary represents more than the designation of a protected marine area; it is an investment in the future of Hanover, in healthier coral reefs, improved livelihoods for our fishers, and the preservation of our coastal environment for generations yet unborn,” he noted.

Anderson-Jackson expressed a view that the sanctuary’s success will depend not only on regulations and enforcement, but also on education, cooperation, and shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

Hanover Western Member of Parliament (MP) Heatha Miller-Bennett described the occasion as “a milestone that represents what can be achieved when communities, the private sector, and environmental partners work together with a shared purpose”.

“The fish sanctuary is far more than a protected area; it is an investment in the health of our marine ecosystem. By allowing the fish population to breed and replenish, we strengthen biodiversity, improve coral reef resilience, and help secure the livelihoods of our fisherfolk through healthier and more sustainable fisheries,” she stated.

She added that preservation of the coastal environment is essential to Hanover’s future, adding that healthy seas will support tourism, food security, economic opportunity, and the quality of life of all communities.

“Today’s opening sends a powerful message that conservation and development can go hand in hand,” the Hanover Western MP emphasised.

Andrew Wright, general manager of The Grand Palladium Jamaica Resorts and Spa, one of the sponsors of the fish sanctuary, expressed pleasure at their involvement with the project and being able to celebrate the official opening.

“As an active participant since the sanctuary’s inception in 2018, Grand Palladium has been privileged to support this initiative from its early stages, and today represents the realisation of a shared vision, one that recognises the importance of protecting and restoring our marine ecosystem, while creating a sustainable future for the communities that depend on them,” he said.

“We are elated to be part of this movement to preserve the rich biodiversity and natural resources of the Lucea coastline,” he stated. “Healthy oceans are essential not only for the livelihoods of our fishers, but also for tourism, food security and the overall well-being of our communities.”

Other sponsors include the Tourism Enhancement Fund, the Budd Foundation, the National Fisheries Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, plus some individuals, agencies and organisations.

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