SITE EXCHANGE OF PARK STAFF AND FISHERMEN BETWEEN ST. LUCIA AND BONAIRE

Goal

Build capacity and support on Bonaire for the establishment of No Take Marine Reserves (Fish Protection Areas) to safeguard Bonaire's reef fish populations.

Rationale

Bonaire National Marine Park recently realised that there is an urgent need to establish No Take Marine Reserves (NTMRs) as reef fish populations are showing clear signs of chronic and acute overfishing. St Lucia Marine Management Area (SMMA) has been selected by ICRAN-UNEP as a Caribbean Demonstration site because of its excellent work with local fishing communities in establishing and maintaining a system of NTMRs. Site exchanges with St Lucia would allow for transfer of knowledge and expertise and build local capacity and support on Bonaire for the establishment of Fish Protection Areas.

Activities

Preparation
Open dialogue, establish needs and interest, agree timeline
Collect baseline data on fish populations (underway Drs Steneck/McClannahan)
Seek funding

Phase 1: Initial site visit to St Lucia (one week)
Meet key players: MPA staff, fishermen, government personnel
Learn about establishment and implementation of NTMRs on St Lucia
Liase with Park staff re management issues, problems and implementation of NTMRs
Give presentation(s) to stakeholders, community, schools re: Bonaire Marine Park
Plan field visit, select delegates (fishermen, Park staff)

Phase 2: Field visit to Bonaire by St Lucian delegation (one week)
Make logistical arrangements (flights, accommodation, transfers)
Key note addresses: Coral Resource Management, STINAPA, Tourist Office, Dive Operator Association, Fishing Co-operative
Presentations on Bonaire, the reefs and Bonaire National Marine Park
Island tour
One on one time with Bonaire National Marine Park staff
One on one time with Bonairian fishermen
Debrief (questionnaire), closing ceremony, BBQ

Phase 3: Follow up visit to St Lucia by Bonairian fishermen delegation (one week)
Introduction to St Lucia, SMMA and local fishing community
One on one time with fishermen
One on one time with SMMA Park staff

Reporting
Produce project report and recommendations
Evaluate success, concerns, ongoing problems, need for ongoing support
Provide follow up training, material, advice as appropriate