Pollution and improper fishing practices have led to the Montego Bay Marine Park
being almost depleted of marine life.
This has led to the Marine Mania project launch, which is being funded to the tune of $8.3 million by the Tourism Enhancement Fund.
During a press briefing following a boat tour of the park Thursday, Director of the Marine Park Robert McKinley disclosed that more stringent policing measures have already been implemented to prevent illegal fishing in the Park.
Mr. McKinley noted that alternative means of livelihood are being organized for the affected fishermen.
However despite the measures being put in place, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund Ian Neita says some of the fishermen continue to fish illegally in the area.
He says $4 million of the amount has already been disbursed for the first phase of the project geared at educating the public and providing the alternative income for the fishermen.
The second phase will see educational tours being organized to generate funds.
And with eyebrows being raised about the use of money from the Tourism Enhancement Fund for the project, Mr. Neita defended the move claiming that this can be viewed as a pilot project.
The Montego Bay Marine Park spans the Bogue Mangroves in the West to the Sangster International Airport in the East.
This has led to the Marine Mania project launch, which is being funded to the tune of $8.3 million by the Tourism Enhancement Fund.
During a press briefing following a boat tour of the park Thursday, Director of the Marine Park Robert McKinley disclosed that more stringent policing measures have already been implemented to prevent illegal fishing in the Park.
Mr. McKinley noted that alternative means of livelihood are being organized for the affected fishermen.
However despite the measures being put in place, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund Ian Neita says some of the fishermen continue to fish illegally in the area.
He says $4 million of the amount has already been disbursed for the first phase of the project geared at educating the public and providing the alternative income for the fishermen.
The second phase will see educational tours being organized to generate funds.
And with eyebrows being raised about the use of money from the Tourism Enhancement Fund for the project, Mr. Neita defended the move claiming that this can be viewed as a pilot project.
The Montego Bay Marine Park spans the Bogue Mangroves in the West to the Sangster International Airport in the East.
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