ISSUE

2

YEAR AUG—DEC

2013

VOLUME

1

MBMPT Bi-Annual

THE MONTEGO BAY MARINE PARK TRUST DURING THE COURSE OF 2013 HAS

MADE SIGNIFICANT STEPS TOWARDS ENSURING THAT OUR MARINE RE-

SOURCES ARE APPRECIATED AND

PROTECTED . SECURING A SUSTAINABLE

FUTURE FOR MONTEGO 2013 was monumental for the

Montego Bay Marine Park Trust.

Amidst the many challenges faced

during the year the Trust was able

to execute and implement numer-

ous events. The most notable of

these being the Fisher Folk Forum

for Fisherman’s Day, Beach Clean

Ups on Earth Day and Interna-

tional Coastal Clean Up Day, The

Montego Bay Marine Park Sum-

mer Camp and the Lionfish Festi-

val.

The revived interest in outreach

activities and projects have helped

the accomplishments of one of our

greatest achievements: An im-

proved relationship with the

fisher folk in and around the

Montego Bay Marine Park.

We have also made significant

steps towards tackling the many

issues that affect the Marine Park,

These include :

Partnering with NEPA and

the Montego Bay Fishermen’s

Cooperative Society to imple-

ment and alternative liveli-

hoods project that will help

reduce the depletion of our

fish stock.

Partner with UNDP and The

Discovery Bay Marine Lab

we have been monitoring the

Lionfish Invasion.

Public education initiatives

such as presentations inform-

ing individuals on the parks

boundaries, laws and rules, as

well as ways to protect

These are just some of the many

activities aimed at securing a sus-

tainable future for Montego Bay’s

Coastline 55 presentations to international and

local school groups

6 Major Beach Clean ups motivating

Over 1000 volunteers/Collected 7360 lbs

of garbage.

Implementation of GEF sponsored Lion-

fish Management project in association

with DBML.

Completed the Alternative Livelihoods

Program with MBFCS & NEPA

( Awarded Most Improved Implementer)

Coordinated 4 events ( MBMPT Anni-

versary celebration, Fisher Folk Forum,

River Bay Fishing Village Ribbon Cut-

ting, Lionfish Cook Off)

MBMPT Summer Camp hosted 70 chil-

dren (free of charge!)

Revival of MBMPT Volunteer Program

2013 Accomplishments

‘BECOME A FRIEND OF THE PARK TODAY’

For us to effectively tackle the destructive habits that are

affecting our environment we all need to start taking

responsibility.

Above: Citizens of Montego Bay working together to clean up Old Hospital Beach

The Trust aims to not only maintain,

but improve local collaboration

in our efforts to protect the Mon-

tego Bay Marine Park. As such

the Trust have incorporated a

multi tiered strategy that inspires

sustainable use of our resources.

The strategy includes the rebirth

of our volunteer program

‘Friends of the Park’. Since its start it

has had 22 volunteers come on board to

learn and help with patrols, beach clean

ups, event production, summer camp,

administration and gathering promo-

tional material. They have encouraged

the JCF to raise the priority placed on

enforcing environmental laws and in-

crease the support our enforcement

team receives. Our outreach efforts

have significantly increased the envi-

ronmental awareness of local stake-

holders and their beneficiaries.

The Trust has

also successfully

coordinated solid

partnerships that

have enabled the

implementation

of the River Bay

Fishing Village alternative livelihoods

project and a scientific project to iden-

tify how to manage the Lionfish inva-

sion. Creating a network of persons,

organizations, who will participate in

eco-friendly activities that counter the

issues affecting the Park.

Stay connected with us on:

Facebook@ Montego Bay Marine Park

Friends

Our visit our office and join our volun-

teer team!!!!.

“Creating a network of

persons and organiza-

tions, who will participate

in eco-friendly activities ”

SECURING OUR FUTURE

THROUGH EDUCATION

The Park Rangers of the Mon-

tego Bay Marine Park have been

flexible enough to implement

numerous outreach activities.

The Trust is embarking on an

improved outreach strategy that

will involve monthly visits to

schools in and around Montego

Bay. This coupled with the CPJ

sponsored Care and Protect Ja-

maica Project to be initiated on

January 31, and the host of

events planned for 2014, should

improve environmental aware-

ness amongst the youth

Our aim is to educate a minimum

of 1000 children on the

importance of the Montego Bay

Marine Park during the course of

2014. Encouraging greater

volunteer involvement

Montego Bay Marine Park Trust

Committed to Conservation

Pier 1 Complex,

Howard Cooke Blvd,

Montego Bay

www.mbmp.org

876-952-5619

enforcement@mbmp.org