Sandals Foundation has committed US$20,000 annually for three years towards the establishment and management of a Special Fishery Conservation Area (SFCA) in the White River.

The initiative supports the White River Marine Association’s drive to have a 500 per cent increase in fish biomass in and around the Special Fishery Conservation area within five years of it being gazetted. The sanctuary will stretch 4.5 kilometres and will have Sandals Ochi Beach Resort and Sandals Royal Plantation within its boundaries.

Over the past few years, the livelihood of fisherfolk in the White River community have increasingly been affected by the decrease of fish stock in their waters. Delroy Earle, who has been fishing for 10 years in White River, had no reservation in expressing his excitement when he learned that the Sandals Foundation has partnered with the White River Marine Association and the White River Fisherman’s Association to establish the conservation area.

Earle’s excitement follows his ongoing observation and growing anxiety that the decline in fish stock could eventually result in an inability to provide for his family. He noted that he has only been able to “get a good catch” in close proximity to the three areas within the Ocho Rios region where special fishery conservation areas have been established.

“When we began our quest to set up the White River SFCA, we did not foresee this tremendous support from the fishermen, who are integral to its success,” said Kyle Mais, general manager of Jamaica Inn and member of the White River Marine Association.

“There has also been an amazing outpouring of support from other stakeholders in the Ocho Rios area, like the Sandals Foundation, who are key to the sanctuary’s success, especially with the knowledge and support they bring to the table. This SFCA will directly improve the lives of 50 fishermen and their families, and its extended reach is going to be vast as it will improve the overall marine ecosystem,” Mais said.

Over the years, Sandals Foundation has established and partnered with various organisations to support the management of multiple special fishery conservation areas in Jamaican waters which have borne tremendous success. There has been a 676 per cent increase in fish biomass attributed to the establishment of the Boscobel SFCA in the Ocho Rios region by the Sandals Foundation and a 40.2 per cent increase of fish stock in and around the boundaries of the established Whitehouse SFCA in Westmoreland.

“Fishing is a viable business in Jamaica and many people in coastal communities are dependent on it,” said Sandals Foundation Director of Programmes Heidi Clarke. “A decline in fish stock therefore greatly affects the ability of many Jamaicans to survive and care for their families. Supporting the establishment of more special fishery conservation areas and working together with local stakeholders is the only way we can sustain the livelihood of fisherfolk and fishing villages in Jamaica.”