| Impact and threats |
level |
Evolution In the short term |
Evolution In the long term |
Species affected |
Habitats affected |
Description / comments |
| Exploitation of natural ressources: Fishing |
very important |
increase |
decrease |
Queen conch
Reef fish
Shore birds |
|
Artisanal fishers traditionally used fishing methods and practices that were in general sustainable. They have lobbied to limit industrial fishing to selected sites in the Northern
Section only and to ban the use of destructive industrial methods such as long lines and
drag nets in the entire MPA.
However, the sheer number of users and growing poverty now mean that even traditional
methods contribute to overfishing. Consequently, MPA management measures include closed seasons for key species such as lobster and conch, protection of spawning sites and aggregations, size limits and quotas, and bans on fisheries of threatened and endangered
species such as sea turtles, sharks, etc. in addition to the use of no-entry and no-take zones to balance use with conservation.
Fisheries are known to be over-exploited. Research has been carried out on queen conch and some species of reef fish as well as on sea and shore birds, which are sometimes exploited for their eggs. Limited studies are currently being done but more research is needed to improve the quality and availability of scientific information and data to better inform MPA
management. In 2009, especially significant was the study that was done on queen conch and information gathered from monitoring of fisheries by the Secretary of Fisheries, but carrying out more research is an urgent need. |
| Exploitation of natural ressources: Agriculture |
limited |
not specified |
not specified |
|
|
Not commented |
| Exploitation of natural ressources: Tourism |
significant |
increase |
increase |
|
|
Unsustainable tourism practices such as poor diving techniques, groundings
from watercraft, and overuse of popular sites, also impact biodiversity and ecosystem
condition. |
| Exploitation of natural ressources: Industry |
limited |
not specified |
not specified |
|
|
Not commented |
| Exploitation of natural ressources: Forest products |
limited |
not specified |
not specified |
|
|
Not commented |
| Increased population |
limited |
not specified |
not specified |
|
|
Not commented |
| Invasive alien species |
very important |
increase |
increase |
|
|
In addition to the local drivers, marine ecosystems have been increasingly affected in recent
years by global drivers of biodiversity loss including introduced species (e.g., lion fish) |
| Pollution |
limited |
not specified |
not specified |
|
|
Not commented |
| Other |
limited |
not specified |
not specified |
|
|
Not commented |
