What We Do
At the White River Fish Sanctuary (WRFS), we are dedicated to safeguarding marine life by forging strong partnerships that make a positive impact. Through research, revitalization and outreach we prioritize the preservation of the sanctuary and are committed to protecting the sanctuary’s ecosystem to ensure a thriving marine habitat for future generations.
Protect
One of the most important things we do at the WRFS is patrol and enforcement. Our wardens, who are also local fishermen, are committed to preserving the sanctuary’s marine life as they patrol on our Interceptor. Several offenders have been caught and charged. If you see any illegal activity – LET US KNOW. Take a picture as evidence and call 876 859-3835 or 876 316-7704.
Alongside our partnership with our local fishers, we have a strong relationship with the Marine Police. In 2019, we were able to prosecute a number of offenders who were found guilty in court and fined for their breaches. We firmly believe that by working together, we can make a positive difference in protecting marine life.
Additionally, we actively collaborate with the many vigilant locals who call our hotline (number here: 876-316-7704) to report any offenses they witness. We all share responsibility for protecting and restoring our environment, so we always appreciate the support of our community as they endeavour to be our eyes and ears on land.
It’s easier to catch snapper and barracuda outside the sanctuary boundaries.
Fisher Rick Walker, interviewed by the Associated Press (AP), 2019
Restore
At the White River Fish Sanctuary (WRFS) a key aspect of protecting our marine life is coral gardening. Without healthy coral reefs, the sanctuary can’t act as a safe nursery for young fish. This is why we’ve partnered with the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) to actively restore and replant several sites.
Our Process
To restore coral reefs we carefully select cuttings from healthy coral colonies and replant them in two types of coral nurseries: clothes-line and tree nurseries. In these nurseries, we then grow different types of reef-building coral for 6-8 months before transplanting them onto degraded reefs. We specifically focus on growing Elkhorn and Staghorn corals, which provide extensive shelter and protection for reef fish.
Since our inception, we’ve expanded from one nursery growing 1000 pieces of Staghorn coral to two nurseries growing 600 Elkhorn pieces and more than 2000 Staghorn pieces. Additionally, we’ve trained members of the surrounding community to SCUBA dive, they are now integral to our coral gardening efforts.
It’s amazing to see the positive impact that coral gardening can have on marine life in the sanctuary and we’re committed to continuing our diligent work on this aspect of our mission.
Although coral gardening is a key part of protecting marine life, it only solves a small fraction of the main issue. To further our impact, we also participate in coastal water cleanups and recycling programs. Taking the time to remove garbage from our coastlines and recycle harmful materials prevents them from floating in our oceans and harming our planted coral. Supporting these initiatives is an excellent way to appreciate the hard work of our community.
Engage
Community Outreach – A “Fiwi” Ting
We understand that the preservation of the sanctuary will only be sustainable if our local community is invested in its care. That’s why we’re committed to making sure that the local people see the benefits of the sanctuary firsthand, by increasing the fish population and the beauty of the recreational environment.
Through our outreach program, White River Fish Sanctuary (WRFS) aims to extend our sense of pride through school visits and concerts (Marjam Prep, Voices for Climate Change). We believe that by educating and engaging the community, we can create a sense of coastal ownership and responsibility.
Our community initiatives engage both children and adults in yearly coastal water clean-up. This not only helps to keep our oceans clean but also helps to raise awareness of the importance of preserving marine life.
We also offer snorkelling and boat tours of the sanctuary, which allow community members to see the results of our protection and restoration efforts firsthand. This helps community members take pride in the sanctuary and encourages them to take an active role in its care.
Our P.R.e. Impact
Protect – Establishment a protected area or “no take zone” demarcated with buoys which is patrolled by our sanctuary wardens . 13 illegal fishers intercepted, 10 arrests, 3 summons, 2 summons pending, 6 persons convicted with fines over $300,000 for offences including fishing without a license, fishing in the sanctuary, spear fishing in the sanctuary at night, and possession of lobster in closed season.
Restore – 2 coral nurseries established – one in the WRFS and one in Mammee Bay, a 55% increase in biomass between 2017 and 2022 and six
scuba divers trained and involved in coral planting and cleaning. Plus, numerous turtle hatchings and releases.
Engage – Four schools and at least 80 children engaged in our on-going sanctuary environmental outreach activities with support from Jamaica Conservation Partners. Implementation of six Coastal Clean Up days since 2018. Three scholarships bestowed with the support of the Shaw OPCO foundation, 6 young male scuba divers trained with Shaw OPCO support, three Successful “Swim for the Sanctuary” events since 2020 with one more to go for 2024.
Other Impacts
Our work is also contributing directly to:
● Jamaica’s 2030 Sustainable Development Plan
● Jamaica’s Sustainable Development Goals
● The Goals of UNEP’s Caribbean Environment Programme including its Land-Based Sources of Pollution (LBS) protocol and its Specially
Protected Areas Wildlife Protocol (SPAW) https://www.unep.org/cep