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The Fish Sanctuaries Network: Jamaica’s Quiet Fisheries Success Story
Karl A. Aiken1*, G. Andre Kong2 , Oliver Squire3 & Inilek Wilmot4
Fisheries Consultant, 33 Gerbera Drive, Kgn. 6, Jamaica1
& Fisheries Consultant, Maven Avenue Apartments, Kgn. 6, Jamaica2,
Oliver Squire , National Fisheries Authority, East Bustamante Port, Kgn.3,
Inilek Wilmot, Goldeneye Foundation, St. Mary4 *
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(corresponding author)1
ABSTRACT
Jamaica formerly lagged behind other Caribbean nations in the introduction of fish sanctuaries, but this is no longer true. In 2009, the government introduced nine small fish sanctuaries distributed around the island; and in 2023, there were 18 such sanctuaries. The areas selected satisfied ecological and fisheries criteria and importantly, have an associated fishers group chosen to enforce these special protected areas. The initial introduction was the result of two years of collaboration by the National Fisheries Authority (formerly Fisheries Division), and fishers’ groups, in conjunction with the then Fisheries Advisory Board. Nearly all sanctuaries include sheltered coastal habitats with mangroves, sea grass beds, sand patches, and coral while having modest fisheries resources, primarily juvenile in size. Close collaboration with and participation of fishers is a key feature of all the sanctuaries. The 18 MPA’s now include one offshore at Pedro Bank, the island’s major fishing ground and nearly all are doing well. Post-introduction studies have demonstrated that most fish sanctuaries have succeeded in increasing fish species diversity, abundance, and mean fish lengths as well as the restoration of several missing apex predator species over time. Algal cover has also significantly decreased compared to pre-sanctuary conditions. Coral restoration activities also occur in some sanctuaries with some success. One significant success indicator was the call by other fisherfolk groups for fish sanctuaries to be introduced in their areas as generally, Jamaican fish sanctuaries have been quietly succeeding in increasing coastal fisheries biomass.
HOW TO CITE: Aiken, K.A., G. A. Kong , O. Squire and I. Wilmot, 2026. The Fish Sanctuaries Network: Jamaica’s Quiet Fisheries Success Story. Contribution 6.7, p443-454 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=937
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