Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Pearnel Charles Jr handed over 50 sanctuary boundary marker buoys valued at US$7,500 to the Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation (CCAM) yesterday (September 29).

The markers were funded by the World Bank under the Promoting Community –Based Climate Resilience in the Fisheries Sector Project.

They are apart of an effort by the government to deter illegal fishing practices as markers will be placed in the special fishing conservatory areas along the coast.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Portland Bight Discovery Center in Clarendon, Charles Jr noted that “the installation of these markers will also assist enforcement personnel as they will visually show the enforcement team from any vantage point in a protected area if someone is in breach.”

“Most importantly, it will show fishermen where not to fish,” said Charles Jr.

He also warned fishers that these markers should not be removed or tampered with, noting that any interference will result in fines of up to a maximum of $3 million in a parish court and an undefined sum in the Supreme Court.

Previously there was a possible threat of extinction of some fish species in Jamaica, said Charles Jr. But, with the establishment of now 18 sanctuaries, the threat has lifted.

Special mention and thanks were made to fish sanctuary managers and staff whose efforts have contributed to an increased abundance and diversity, improved size of resident fish, increased number and viability of species in surrounding waters, and increased catch compared to results in areas surrounding the reserves.

Charles Jr further commended the staff for their valiant efforts in making this a reality, noting that their contributions will not go unnoticed.