Agriculture Minister Floyd Green says the ministry has established two new fish sanctuaries and allocated a J$60 million subvention to the Fish Sanctuary Management Programme.

In his contribution to the 2024-25 Sectoral Debate in Parliament on Tuesday (May 21), 2024, the minister underscored how integral fish sanctuaries are to Jamaica’s biodiversity conservation efforts by providing protected areas for marine life and supporting the recovery of fish stocks.

Green also emphasised the critical role of NGOs in running these sanctuaries.

The two new sanctuaries are Grange Pen in St James (341 hectares) and Lucea in Hanover (127 hectares), bringing Jamaica’s total sanctuaries to 20.

 In addition to securing the $60-million subvention from the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, the minister is actively collaborating with the minister with responsibility for water, environment, climate change, and the blue and green economies Matthew Samuda to explore the implementation of a matching support mechanism.

Jamaica has committed to allocating 30 per cent of coastal and marine areas for biodiversity and ecosystem service preservation. Currently, the declared sanctuaries contribute over 10,000 hectares of protected areas, with plans to double this number by 2027.

According to Green, “It is a proven fact that sanctuaries work…Our scientists and researchers have shown the return of sought-after species and a doubling of biomass within the fishing space.”

He further highlighted the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of sanctuaries by initiating income-generating projects.

It recently completed the ‘Ecotourism for Sustaining Fish Sanctuaries’ sub-project in Galleon, St Elizabeth, valued at US$113,000. Through the initiative, the ministry provided training to over 20 fishermen and women as eco-tourism guides.

Additionally, equipment such as kayaks, floating jetties, mobile offices, and vessels for enforcement and sanctuary patrolling have been procured and are being deployed.