Some organisms inhabiting the Portland Bight Protected Area

Sting ray (Dasyatidae)

Shell Crab (Callinectes sapidus)

Black Necked Stilts- (Himantopus mexicanus)

Red-Billed Streamertail (female) (Trochilus polytmus)

Spiny lobster (Panulirus argus)

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)

Crocodile (Crocodylus Acutus)

Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation (C-CAM)

The Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation (C-CAM) is a non-government organization (NGO), devoted to the promotion of coastal conservation in Jamaica. C-CAM is responsible for protecting and monitoring the Portland Bight created on Earth Day (April 22) 1999. It extends from South Clarendon to St. Catherine, with approximately 200 mile² of land and 524 mile² of marine space. The Portland Bight Protected Area (PBPA) is Jamaica's largest protected area to date. It is home to birds, iguanas, crocodiles, manatees, marine turtles, and fish, many of which are endemic to the area.

The PBPA provides a habitat for the variety of Jamaican wildlife living in the sanctuary; mangroves and sea grass beds are excellent nursery grounds for juvenile fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. Beaches on the mainland and on the inshore coral cays are major nesting sites for sea turtles. Manatees are now rare, but many crocodiles inhabit the rivers and wetlands.

 

Location of Fish Sanctuaries in Jamaica

WHAT IS A FISH SANCTUARY?

A Fish Sanctuary is a coastal area where no fishing is allowed, therefore marine organisms can breed and grow.

 

Jamaica has been experiencing a drastic decline in fish populations over the years due to the impacts of climate change, over-fishing, and pollution. Fish sanctuaries (marine reserves) has been established to create a favourable breeding ground for fish, and other marine organisms. Fish swim into the sanctuaries to lay their eggs, fingerlings thrive, grow, then swim out to the sea where they are caught  by fisher folks. This is known as "spill over' effect".

BENEFITS OF FISH SANCTUARIES

• Increase in fish population
• Increase in recreational and eco-tourism opportunities
•  Quality of catches will improve