Sandy Island / Oyster Bed Marine Park officially launched
After ten years of community consultation, research and planning the Sandy Island / Oyster Bed Marine Protected Area got launched on Saturday July 31st, 2010 as part of an effort to preserve Carriacou’s stunning natural environment.
The Sandy Island / Oyster Bed Marine Protected Area comprises an area of 787 hectares on the southwest coast of Carriacou. It is considered to be one of the most important marine ecosystems in the region and a culturally significant area for the people of Carriacou. Safeguarding this area ensures the health of vital marine and coastal ecosystem including extensive coral reef system, mangrove forest, small islands, and sea grass beds. Protected areas around the Caribbean and the world have resulted in increased numbers and sizes of fish, as well as improved fish production for areas outside their
boundaries.
A main objective of launching the Sandy Island / Oyster Bed Marine Protected Area has been to strike a balance between socio-economic and environmental sustainability. To begin, local fisher folk will be allowed to continue to seine fish in designated areas, however all methods of reef fishing and turtle harvesting are no longer allowed in this protected area. This will allow for the area to become a productive area for reef fish. When reef fish are left to grow older and larger their egg production increases dramatically.
To support the management of the protected area the Government of Grenada has hired and trained two community members to serve as marine park wardens. Moorings have also been installed for boats, scuba divers and boundary demarcation.
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