Context
The Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) is the second largest barrier reef system in the world, stretching over 700 miles along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. This reef ecosystem is home to some of the last healthy populations of critically endangered Caribbean staghorn and elkhorn corals. The southern region of the MAR in Honduras is particularly crucial as it is a significant source of coral larvae to the MAR’s northern region, due to the prevailing ocean currents.
Research shows that protecting fish populations from overfishing and pollution is crucial to safeguarding coral reefs. Recently, the presence of two fish spawning sites off the northwestern coast of the Honduran island of Roatan was discovered, which are critical to maintaining sustainable fish populations for the MAR. Since the majority of Roatan fishers are local artisanal fishers and international sport fishing tourists, there is a need for increased fishing regulations and patrol surveillance to preserve and enhance the marine biodiversity and ecological integrity of this area.
Goals
To elevate the protection status of the marine area from Sandy Bay to West Bay on the western side of the island of Roatan, Honduras, to a No-Take Zone to better protect key herbivorous and commercial fish species across 12.43 km2 of marine area, improving fish populations and the overall health of the reef ecosystem. (A No-Take Zone is a marine area that is specially designated as off limits for all fishing because of its ecological importance.)
 © Coral Reef Alliance |
 © Coral Reef Alliance |
 © Coral Reef Alliance |
 © Coral Reef Alliance |
Activities
The aim of this project is to achieve a long-term marine protection expansion through a bottom-up approach that includes:
- Collaborating with local communities and stakeholders to develop and implement conservation strategies (i.e. Collaborate with the Technical Committee of the Bay Islands National Marine Park on the development of a roadmap for the declaration of a No-Take Zone);
- Creating community-based management plans, education programs, and monitoring enforcement measures;
- Engage with fishers, dive shops, community groups, and local and national authorities;
- Empowering communities to lead the conservation process in collaboration with authorities;
- Promoting sustainable income initiatives to support food security and reduce forced migration.
Key Performance Indicators to be Reached (KPIs)
- Increased protections for herbivorous and commercial fish species
- Increased square kilometers of protected marine area under elevated regulation protections
Myriad Canada is partnering with the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) on this project, a global non-profit organization dedicated to saving the world’s coral reefs. CORAL works to improve coral health by addressing local threats and engaging communities in reef conservation efforts.
CORAL was founded in 1994 by a group of passionate SCUBA divers who were witnessing the degradation in reef health and wanted to do something about it. CORAL collaborates with local partners in conservation efforts, employing community-based fishery management strategies, appropriate co-management systems, access rights, enforcement of regulations and promotion of sustainable fisheries to create, manage and enhance marine protected areas and coastal estuaries. With over 15 years of experience in the Western Caribbean, CORAL has developed extensive expertise in the conservation of the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR).
Myriad Canada’s role is to carry out charitable projects across the globe in accordance with its charitable purposes. We control and monitor the use of funds and the progress of charitable activities to ensure that donations made to Myriad Canada have the greatest impact in accordance with donors’ expressed wishes. As a member of the Myriad Alliance with offices in Canada, the US, Europe, Asia and Australia, Myriad Canada has a vast international network and extensive practical expertise.
How to support this project?
By credit card: At the top right of this page, indicate the amount you wish to donate, and make the donation online by credit card. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes by e-mail just a few minutes after making the donation. It is simple and quick!
By cheque:
- Make your cheque out to Myriad Canada.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: We receive a lot of cheques! You must please indicate “Project F407 – Increasing Marine Protection for Coral Reefs” in the memo line of your cheque to ensure that it is allocated correctly.
- Mail your cheque to: Myriad Canada, 1 Place Ville Marie, Suite 1670, Montreal, QC, H3B 2B6, Canada.
By Direct Deposit:
- For transfer instructions, please email or call Caroline Chaulet: caroline@myriadcanada.org or +1-1-438-300-8122.
For Donation of Securities:
- Please email or call Caroline Chaulet: caroline@myriadcanada.org or +1-438-300-8122.
For Monthly Donations:
- We use CanadaHelps. Please find the link here.
If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
All donations are eligible for a tax receipt in Canada.
The projects are managed with the greatest care and professionalism.