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STRENGTHENING THE OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF THE NATIONAL PROTECTED AREA SYSTEM

DISCOVERY BAY SPECIAL FISHERY CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN JAMAICA

2015 - 2025

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COPYRIGHT

Document Title: Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area Management Plan, Jamaica 2015 - 2025 For the United Nations Development Programme, Jamaica and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Hope Gardens Kingston 6 Jamaica Telephone: 876-927-1731-50 Email: [email protected]

All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or part for education or non profit purposes without the special permission from the copyright holder. Acknowledgement of the source must be made and the Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries would appreciate receiving a copy of any such publication.

Copyright © [2015] by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Global Environment Facility and United Nations Development Programme supported project “Strengthening the Operational and Financial Sustainability of the National Protected Area System” made the preparation of the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area Management Plan possible. The Project Management Unit (PMU) of the project “Strengthening the Operational and Financial Sustainability of the National Protected Area System” extends it gratitude to the following organisations and their staff who assisted in the creation of this plan.

Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries National Environment Planning Agency Alloa Discovery Bay Fishermen’s Association Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory

The PMU also wishes to thank the members of the Project Steering Group, the community of Discovery Bay and other stakeholders for providing comments and guidance in the formulation of this Management Plan.

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ABBREVIATIONS

ADBFA BIO-WQU BIO-COR BIO-MAN BIO-SGR BIO-FSH BIO-IAS

Alloa Discovery Bay Fishermen’s Association Water Quality Coral Reef Mangrove Seagrass Fish Introduced Alien Species

MSV-COF MSV-HCF MSV-PDA MSV-RWS MSV-HER MSV-LIV

Management of Social Values - Commercial Fishing Management of Social Values - Harbour and Cargo Handling Facilities Management of Social Values - Peripheral Development Activities Management of Social Values - Recreation and Water Sports Management of Social Values - Cultural Heritage Management of Social Values - Supporting Livelihoods

C-FISH Fish Sanctuaries For Sustainable Communities MTIASIC Mitigating the Threat of Alien Species in the Insular Caribbean CAMPAM Caribbean Marine Protected Areas Managers NEPA National Environment Planning Agency CARICOMP Caribbean Coastal Marine Productivity Program NGO Non-Governmental Organisation CBD Convention on Biological Diversity NRCA Natural Resources Conservation Authority COP Conference of the Parties PWC Personal Water Craft CPC Chief Parliamentary Council SFCA Special Fishery Conservation Area CRHI DB DBSFCA

Coral Reef Health Index Discovery Bay Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area

StAPC UNEP-CEP

St. Ann Parish Council United Nations Environment Programme - Caribbean Environment Programme

EEZ EIA FAO

Exclusive Economic Zone Environmental Impact Assessment Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

FIP Fisheries Improvement Programme GEF Global Environment Facility IIE Information, Interpretation and Education JCF Jamaica Constabulary Force MoU MP MP-STG) (MP-ZON) MP-PPM MP-PAE MP-TRN MP-IIE MP-RES MP-MON MP-ESF

Memorandum of Understanding Marine Police Management Plan - Steering Group Management Plan - Zoning Management Plan - Public Participation in Management Management Plan - Patrol and Enforcement Management Plan - Training Management Plan - Information, Interpretation and Education Management Plan – Research Management Plan – Monitoring Management Plan - Financial Support and Management

CONTENTS

Page Copywright ii Acknowledgements iii Abbreviations iv

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1

II. INTRODUCTION 3

A. Background to Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area Management Plan 3

B. Background to the Physical and Social Structure of Discovery Bay 3

C. Background to the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area 5

D. Incorporating Climate Change and Mitigation Issues into the Management Plan 5

III. VISION STATEMENT 6

IV. BACKGROUND TO SPECIAL FISHERY CONSERVATION AREAS IN JAMAICA 7

V. DECLARATION AND BOUNDARIES OF THE DISCOVERY BAY SPECIAL FISHERY CONSERVATION AREA 8

VI. STATUTORY AND POLICY FRAMEWORK 10

VII. MARINE STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES 11

VIII. GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT 12

IX. STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT DIRECTIONS 13

A. Management Programmes 14 1. Steering Group (MP-‐STG) 14 2. Zoning (MP-‐ZON) 16 3. Public Participation in Management (MP-‐PPM) 17 4. Patrol and Enforcement (MP-‐PAE) 18 5. Training (MP-‐TRN) 20 6. Information, Interpretation and Education (MP-‐IIE) 21 7. Research (MP-‐RES) 23 8. Monitoring (MP-‐MON) 24 9. Financial Support and Management (MP-‐ESF) 25

B. Management of Biological Values 25 1. Water Quality (BIO-‐WQU) 29 2. Coral Reef (BIO-‐COR) 31 3. Mangrove(BIO-‐MAN) 32 4. Seagrass (BIO-‐SGR) 33 5. Fish (BIO-‐FSH) 35 6. Introduced Alien Species (BIO-‐IAS) 36

C. Management of Social Values 37 1. Commercial Fishing (MSV-‐COF) 37 2. Harbour and Cargo Handling Facilities (MSV-‐HCF) 37 3. Peripheral Development Activities (MSV-‐PDA) 38 4. Recreation and Water Sports (MSV-‐RWS) 39 5. Cultural Heritage (MSV-‐HER) 40 6. Supporting Livelihoods (MSV-‐LIV) 41

X. REFERENCES 42

Diagram 1 Composition of the Discovery Bay Steering Group 14

Map 1 Discovery Bay Jamaica – Location Map 4

Map 2 Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area Boundaries 9

Map 3 Discovery Bay Jamaica. Map of Bathymetry 27

Map 4 Discovery Bay Jamaica. Approximate Locations of Biological Habitats 28

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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Discovery Bay is located midway along Jamaica’s northern coast at 18.4599 (latitude in decimal degrees), -77.3924 (longitude in decimal degrees. Discovery Bay has traditionally been an important local fishing centre. As with many fishing areas in Jamaica, the bay fell into the cycle of economic overfishing that led to biological overfishing resulting in the reduction in fish size and fish catches. Discovery Bay has been affected by both anthropogenic impacts and natural phenomenon that have contributed to fish catches and reduced natural protection of the bay for the community living there. Anthropogenic impacts include various pollutants and sediments entering the marine environment from nonpoint sources such as agro-chemicals and from point source activities, for example, the local bauxite operations. The impact of global warming is also creating a range of impacts that give cause for concern. The increasing strength and frequency of hurricanes has impacted on the reef systems that protect the entrance to the bay. These reefs not only protect the marine environment inside the bay but also the town and hinterland of Discovery Bay itself. The declaration of Discovery Bay as a ‘protected area’ therefore serves not only as an instrument to assist in reversing the declining fish stocks and securing the livelihoods of local fishermen, but also a wider social and economic purpose, by contributing to the security of lives and property of Discovery Bay. Discovery Bay was declared a Fish Sanctuary by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in 2009. In 2012 the sanctuary status was revoked and replaced with the declaration of the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area under the Fishing Industry (Special Fishery Conservation Area) Regulations 2012. Prior to 2009, the bay was managed as a voluntary fish sanctuary by the local fisherman’s association. The objective of a Special Fishery Conservation Area is to establish a no fishing zone with the aim of encouraging the reproduction of fish populations to a level where sustainable fishing can be re-established. In order to achieve this objective, management must focus not only on the fish themselves but also on the different environmental and social issues that affect the bay and also on conservation of the habitats located in the bay that support the production of fish by providing spawning areas and safe fish nursery areas for growth and food. The Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area Management Plan 2015 - 2025 has been developed as an outcome of the project “Strengthening the Operational and Financial Sustainability of the National Protected Area System”. The Global Environment Facility and the Government of Jamaica support this project. Additional to this Management Plan are the Action Plan, Business Plan and Training Plan each published under separate covers. The implementation of this Management Plan is an obligation of the Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries supported by the Alloa Discovery Bay Fisherman’s Associationi with whom they signed a Memorandum of Understanding to assist with management on a day-to day-basis. This Management Plan sets out the conservation management agenda for the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area over the next decade. However, allowance should be made by the managers of the plan to amend and refine it as experience and lessons learned from its implementation allow, along with unforeseen changing circumstances. Implementation is also reliant upon available funding. Whilst the Fisheries Division do have some obligations in this respect, additional funding will be necessary if all the actions outlined in this plan are to be achieved. It is therefore envisaged that the Management Plan and its accompanying plans will be used as supporting documents for funding applications to various donor organisations providing financial assistance for marine conservation activities. At the core of the Management Plan are three integrated “Strategic Management Directions” which consist of:

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I. Management Programmes – these concern the technical aspects of managing the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area and comprise nine programmes encompassing the issues of both day-to-day and long term management. The programmes include the governance of the protected area and the enforcement of its regulations, public participation in management, training of the managers to ensure successful management outcomes, education and interpretation issues especially focused on the local population, and research and monitoring supporting plan adaptation and continuing management planning.

II. Management of Biological Values – central to achieving the Special Fishery Conservation Area objectives is the conservation of the marine ecosystem and the water resources on which it depends. Located within Discovery Bay are three important habitat types which together sustain fish reproduction and growth. These habitats are the coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves. The management plan sets out the management objectives and actions to support the conservation of these habitat types and also considers actions to improve the bays water quality, the precursor to maintaining health marine ecosystems. The conservation of fish species and issues concerning alien species are also considered within the Management of Biological Values ‘directions’.

III. Management of Social Values – these concern the various anthropogenic activities that take place, or have the potential to take place in and around the periphery of Discovery Bay. Various actions are expounded; these encourage both sustainable planning and management of the bays natural and cultural resources and support the development of tertiary livelihood activities of the local fishermen.

For each Strategic Management Direction the ‘Objectives of Management’ are given along with a description of the proposed Management Actions. The accompanying Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area Action Plan 2015 – 2025 provides further operational detail to the Management Plan implementation, however as a working document and to retain its usefulness, the Action Plan is required to be updated by the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area management team periodically. The Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area Management Plan has been developed through a community based participatory process. Contained within this plan are mechanisms to maintain community-planning links and support the communities’ wider understanding of the objectives of the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area and marine resource conservation in general.

Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area Management Plan: 2015 – 2025

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II. INTRODUCTION

A. Background to Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area Management Plan

The development of this Management Plan document was undertaken as a component of the project “Strengthening the Operational and Financial Sustainability of the National Protected Area System” supported by the Global Environment Facility and Government of Jamaica. Responsibility for overall management of the plan lies with the Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. In 2009 the Fisheries Division signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jamaica Fishermen Co-Op Union Ltd and Alloa Discovery Bay Fisherman’s Association (ADBFA) to manage the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area (SFCA). ADBFA are responsible for the day to day management of the SFCA. Whilst the primary objective of SFCAs is sustainable management as a means of restoring fish stocks in areas affected by overfishing, habitat degradation and other stressors, SFCAs do have other wide-ranging benefits identified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, these include.

• Maintaining the genetic diversity of marine species within Jamaica’s water and reducing the probability of their extinction. • Improving the economic opportunities for fishers as the catch per unit effort for fishermen should increase within the areas surrounding the reserves. • Increased opportunities for eco-tourism, allowing visitors and citizens to view Jamaica’s tropical fish species in their natural environment. • Providing an environment for further research and development initiatives.

To achieve the objective of assisting the reproduction of fish populations, management must focus not only on the fish themselves, but on the whole marine environment that supports the growth of the fish population, along with the anthropogenic activities and natural phenomena that affect SFCA both in a positive and negative way. Furthermore, as the Fisheries Division points out, SFCAs are not only valuable for supporting fish conservation and research, but also provide a varied range of socio-economic opportunities such as ecotourismii. The Management Plan must therefore take an holistic perspective of Discovery Bay SFCA by addressing not only those issues that directly affect the management of the fishery, but also the interrelated issues that support the conservation of Discovery Bay’s marine environment as a whole, including enforcement of regulations, gaining local community support to meet conservation objectives and where feasible, providing social benefits such as supporting livelihood initiatives or encouraging sustainable recreation use.

To accompany this Management Plan, an Action Plan, Business Plan and Training Plan have been developed within the framework of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) “Strengthening the Operational and Financial Sustainability of the National Protected Area System” project in order to support the implementation of the management strategies contained in this document for Discovery Bay over the coming years. These three plans are formulated and presented separately to this Management Plan.

A participatory methodology was adopted for the formulation of the plan and included two open meetings for stakeholders at Discovery Bay and circulation of the draft Management Plan documentation for stakeholder comment. B. Background to the Physical and Social Structure of Discovery Bay

Discovery Bay, Jamaica, is located at 18.4599 (latitude in decimal degrees), -77.3924 (longitude in decimal degrees) on the northern coast of the island (Map 1 below) and in the Parish of Saint Ann. The town of Discovery Bay is located around and behind the Bay and is a developed employment and service centre.


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The northern A1 coast road passes through the town and skirts the Bay area. This is a busy main highway that originates close to Kingston and connects with the central and western coastal communities. The population of Discovery Bay is approximately 2500 personsiii. The principal employment is in bauxite mining and processing, tourism, fishing, government employment and tertiary service activitiesiv. Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners currently own and operate a bauxite drying and processing plant on the outskirts of the town and loading dock for bauxite powders at Port Rhoades in Discovery Bay. Fishing takes place from two beaches in the Bayv. These are Top Bay and Old Folly Beach. Fishing, whilst a traditional occupation, has, in recent years, been greatly reduced as a full time occupation, with fishing incomes being supplemented by other activitiesvi such as tourism or working with the bauxite operations.

Map 1: Discovery Bay Jamaica – Location Map


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C. Background to the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area

Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area was declared under the (Special Fishery Conservation Area) Regulations 2012, the declaration of the SFCA superseded its former status as a Fish Sanctuary declared in 2009. The Fisheries Division, on behalf of the Government of Jamaica and the ADBFA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), In accordance with the MoU, the ADBFA are responsible for the management of the SFCA.

The development of a fisheries reserve at Discovery Bay has a long and recorded history going back to the early 1990’s.vii & viii In 1996 through the collaboration and support of the University of West Indies Fisheries Improvement Programme (FIP), the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory and Kaiser Jamaica Bauxite Company who were the bauxite operators at the Discovery Bay at the time, a voluntary Fishery Reserve was established, with the ADBFA providing the manpower for patrols and the FIP the operational costs for maintaining the reserve. Because the Fishery Reserve was voluntary and relied on various grants and programmes, its full operation was only possible as funds allowed. Furthermore, as the reserve did not have any statutory status, enforcement of regulations was difficult. The Fisheries Division was requested to give legal status to the reserve and assist with its management and funding, whilst the ADBFA would continue day to day management. This was achieved through the declaration of the Discovery Bay Fish Sanctuary in 2009.

Discovery Bay is one of the most comprehensively scientifically monitored sites in Jamaica. It is one of two of Jamaica’s UNESCO-CARICOMPix (Caribbean Coastal Marine Productivity Programmex) sites, established to compare productivity, structure, and function of the three main coastal ecosystems in the Caribbean: mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs, data collection began in 1992. The extensive data available for Discovery Bay collected over an extended period, provides fishery managers with a sound baseline and trend line on which to base future management decisions.

D. Incorporating Climate Change and Mitigation Issues into the Management Plan

For an archipelagic state that relies heavily on its coastal resources, climate change and its mitigation is a major issue for Jamaica. One of the goals set out in Jamaica’s Revised Draft Action Plan for Implementing the Programme of Work on Protected Areas of the Convention on Biological Diversityxi is “To identify and integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation measures in protected area planning and management strategies”. Whilst the actions described within this Management Plan for Discovery Bay are limited in scale, together they contribute to the overall Jamaican national initiatives that are outlined in the national climate change policy and strategies contained in Vision 2030.xii The proposed actions additionally go some way to act upon the philosophy often quoted in the expression “think global act local” a concept first expounded by the distinguished biologist and planner Patrick Geddes in 1915xiii. The management actions expounded in this Management Plan that support both mitigation and adaption to climate change are as follows:-

• Making the public aware of climate change issues and what can be done to reduce the impact on the marine environment (MP-IIE). • Taking actions to maintain high quality water environment in Discovery Bay which in turn assists marine habitats to adapt to increasing sea water

temperature and sea level rises (see management programme on water quality and harbor and cargo handling facilities). • Encouraging activities to maintain diverse and healthy coral communities to provide a natural protective storm barrier to Discovery Bay in the case of

adverse weather conditions and tidal surges (see management programme on corals). • Actions to protect mangroves. Mangroves undertake a number of important functions relating to climate change, firstly they play an important role in

carbon sequestration and carbon storage, secondly, they protect coastal infrastructure from storm surges by slowing the flow of water and reducing surface waves, and thirdly, they can play an active role in protecting corals from climate changexiv (see management programme on mangroves)


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• Undertaking activities to conserve the sea grass beds which act as efficient carbon sinks (see management programme on sea grass).

III. VISION STATEMENT

The vision statement is an agreed declaration that outlines the aspirations of the Government of Jamaica represented by the Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, local fishing community represented by the ADBFA and other interested parties for the conservation, use and management of the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area and provides the broad directions for its future management. Overall national vision for Protected Areas is:

The main goals of the National Fisheries Policy (Draft) are:

“The vision for Jamaica’s protected areas is one of effective management through a system which represents the diversity of the country’s ecosystems and local heritage, towards the achievement of environmental, economic, cultural and social goals for the benefit of all generations.”

Protected Areas System Master Plan (Draft)

1) Contribute to economic growth and reduction of poverty. 2) Contribute to sustainable livelihood of Jamaicans through employment in fisheries and related activities. 3) Contribute to the provision of food security.

Draft Fisheries Policy

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries


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The stakeholdersxv vision for the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area is:

The management goal is:

IV. BACKGROUND TO SPECIAL FISHERY CONSERVATION AREAS IN JAMAICA

Special Fishery Conservation Areas (SFCAs) are no fishing zones with the primary aim of enhancing fish populations (finfish and shellfish). The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries designates SFCAs under powers conferred by Section 25 of the Fishing Industry Act. The Fishing Industry (Special Conservation Fishery Conservation Area) Regulations, 2012 sets out fourteen declared SFCAs located around the coast of mainland Jamaica and the off-shore Pedro Bank along with the legal directions and actions that may be undertaken within the SFCAs. Under the regulations it is illegal to engage in any unauthorized fishing activities. The maximum fine for an offence committed under the Regulation is currently one thousand Jamaican Dollars. This amount is expected to rise by the end of 2014 to three million Jamaican Dollars in accordance with instructions issued from Cabinet to the Chief Parliamentary Council (CPC).

In common with protected areas of other types, SFCAs assist in maintaining genetic diversity in Jamaica’s marine environment. Maintaining the diversity of habitats in the SFCA is as important as conserving the fish populations as these allow fish to reach maturity by providing the feeding, spawning and nursery areas essential for fish reproduction and growth.

An objective of SFCAs is to prohibit fishing activities and encourage marine conservation activities in areas where the fish population has been over exploited or affected by other factors such as habitat degradation, pollution etc. The management objective is to gradually increase both the number and quality of the

To realize and maintain Discovery Bay as a clean marine environment in order to protect, conserve, maintain and where appropriate restore the natural biological marine communities, including habitats, populations and native species, and ecological processes of the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area to both support local sustainable fishing activities and increase size and quality of fish catches for current and future generations and provide opportunities for the development of tertiary income supporting activities such as ecotourism.

To establish the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area as the foremost model of excellence of a government-community partnership managed fish conservation area in Jamaica and in the whole Caribbean region.


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fish population until a stage is reached that allows fishing to be practised at a sustainable level. Areas surrounding the SFCA where fishing continues will also benefit from the spillover effect, as fish populations increase and migrate outwards from the SFCA as they compete for space.

The SFCAs are selected on the basis of criteria predetermined by the Fisheries Division. These are broadly based on:

• Ecological Characteristics – habitats that create ideal conditions for fish spawning, nursery growing areas and feeding areas such as presence of coral reef, seagrass beds, mangrove;

• Agreement with the various local primary stakeholders for areas to be declared and supported as SFCAs. Stakeholders include fishing community, local business investors, tourism and leisure operators etc.

• The existence of a local entity to partner with the Fisheries Division. Partners must have the commitment and capacity to manage the SFCA on a day to day basis. Partners can include local fishermen’s groups, NGOs etc.

To assist with a SFCA’s management, a ‘co-operation agreement between the Fisheries Division (Government) and identified community organisation may be formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between both parties. This outlines the responsibilities and working arrangement for the partnership. The Fisheries Division, on behalf of the government, retain the primary managerial responsibilities for the SFCA, providing budgetary support, providing training, determining policy and enabling legislation, supporting research and development activities, surveillance, enforcement and monitoring actions. The partner organisation for their part, provides support for surveillance, enforcement and monitoring actions in co-operation with the Marine Police and Coastguard, engage in building community support and knowledge of the SFCA, engage in making visitors to the SFCA aware of the conservation status of the area, encourage low impact use of the area and support research initiatives.

V. DECLARATION AND BOUNDARIES OF THE DISCOVERY BAY SPECIAL FISHERY CONSERVATION AREA

Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area was declared under the Fishing Industry Act Special Fishery Conservation Area) Regulations 2012. The Fisheries Division on behalf of the Government of Jamaica and the ADBFA through the Jamaica Fishermen Co-Op Union Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU is operational and the members of the ADBFA participate fully in the management of the SFCA. The legal boundaries of the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area are identified and set out in Parts One and Two of the Fourth Schedule of the Regulations and conform to Map 2 below. These are:

Starting at Point A, a land-based mark with geographical coordinates 18028' 11.448" N and 770 24' 12.581" W, and then proceeding as follows - from Point A, the boundary shall run in a straight line to Point B, a water-based mark with geographical coordinates 180 28' 10.961"N and 770 24' 27.355" W;

from Point B, the boundary shall run across the shipping channel to an awash reef structure and shall continue along the northern edge of the reef in a westerly direction to Point C, a water-based mark with geographical coordinates 180 28' 19.436" N and 770 24' 54.294" W;

from Point C, the boundary shall run to Point D, a land-based mark, with geographical coordinates 180 28' l3. 088" and 770 24' 57.340" W; and

from Point D, the boundary shall follow the contours of the coastline back to the starting point.


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Map 2: Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area Boundaries

(Source: Google Maps)


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VI. STATUTORY AND POLICY FRAMEWORK

A wide range of legislation governs both the fishing industry and securing conservation objectives. The primary legislation comprises of the following Acts and Regulations pertaining to the management of Jamaica’s Special Fishery Conservation Areas, and is outlined below:

• The Fishing Industry Act 1975 (Relevant Amendment to Act - Fishing Industry (Exemption) Order, 1976 and Fishing Industry (Amendment of Schedule) Order, 2000 (No. 17 of 2000) (‘Special Fishery Conservation Area’ Regulations 2012)

• Fishing Industry Regulations 1976 (Amendment to Regulation - Fishing Industry (Amendment) Regulations, 1982)

• The Aquaculture, Inland, Marine Products and By Products (Inspection, Licensing and Export) Act 1999

• Beach Control Act 1956

• Wild Life Protection Act 1945

• The Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) Act 1991 - marine parks and protected areas

The enforcement of Fisheries Law and Regulations is mandated to four principal agencies:

1. Jamaican Coastguard - primary responsibility for monitoring, control and surveillance activities in the offshore areas and the Exclusive Economic Zone.

2. Marine Police - responsibility for the enforcement of laws relating to fisheries, harbours, shipping and drugs. For the enforcement of fisheries laws, the Marine Police primarily operate within the inshore areas.

3. Fisheries Division - Fishery Instructors function as fishery extension officers. Enforcement action undertaken by Fishery Instructors is supported by the Marine Police as a dual action.

4. Natural Resources Conservation Authority - Game Wardens are appointed by the Governor General, and are recommended by NEPA. They work in conjunction with the Marine Police in enforcement matters.

Fishery Inspectors are empowered under a number of different laws. Police Officers, Jamaica Defence Force members and Game Wardens appointed under the Wild Life Protection Act are all Fishery Inspectors.

Additionally, on establishment of a Special Fishery Conservation Area and dependent upon conditions prescribed by the individual Memorandum of Understanding for each SFCA, Special Constables may be appointed from the members of the stakeholder managing organisation to assist with enforcement.


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The range of policy documents listed below contain guidelines and policies that pertain to the general environment and marine conservation in particular, the content of these documents pertain both directly and indirectly to the management of the Discovery Bay SFCA and have been used in the formulation of this Management Plan.

• National Strategy and Action Plan on Biological Diversity in Jamaica (National Environment and Planning Agency (2003)

• Final Report: Thematic Assessment United Nations Convention on Biological diversity and the Cartagena Protocol on Biodiversity (2005)

• Protected Areas System Master Plan (2014)

• Dolphin Policy for Jamaica with Special Emphasis on Bottlenose Dolphins (2014)

• Vision 2030 Jamaica, National Development Plan (2009)

VII. MARINE STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

Over time, the Government of Jamaica has implemented a progressive programme aimed at conserving the marine environment around the country’s shoreline through the establishment of various forms of marine protected areas in order to conserve and maintain marine biodiversity and the ecological integrity of the wide ranging ecosystem types, structures and functions found around the coast. In essence, the management objectives of the marine protected areas are:

• Manage and ensure long term sustainably of the marine environment and its ensuing benefits (including fish stocks) in perpetuity for the people of

Jamaica;

• Where appropriate, facilitate and manage commercial activities that utilise the marine zone within an equitable and ecologically sustainable framework commensurate with the overall objectives of marine conservation;

• Support scientific research and education in the marine environment, promote the understanding of marine issues and gain support for conservation

activities from the residents of and visitors to Jamaica;

• Where appropriate, facilitate and manage tourism and recreation activities that utilise the marine zone within an equitable and ecologically sustainable framework commensurate with the overall objectives of marine conservation;

• Encourage and promote public involvement in managing Jamaica’s marine conservation areas through participation in activities such as joint

management of protected areas and stakeholder participatory planning.


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VIII. GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT

The management of the Discovery Bay SFCA and the strategies outlined in this Management Plan are guided by the Jamaican regulatory framework described above, this is supported by a number of international ecological and socio-economic principles as outlined below: Adopting ecosystem based approaches to management – this requires that the integrity of the natural ecosystem and its key components, structures and processes are sustained by maintaining natural species diversity and protecting the SFCAs critical habitats to maintain all stages within a species ‘life cycle’. The management approach needs to take into account the need for both ecosystem wellbeing as well as sustainable human use of the resources. The FAO Expert Consultation on Ecosystem Approaches to Fisheriesxvi agreed that:

The “ purpose of an ecosystem based approach to fisheries is to plan, develop and manage fisheries in a manner that addresses the multiplicity of societal needs and desires, without jeopardizing the options for future generations to benefit from a full range of goods and services provided by marine ecosystems”

Therefore

“An ecosystem approach to fisheries management strives to balance diverse societal objectives, by taking into account the knowledge and uncertainties about biotic, abiotic and human components of the ecosystems and their interactions and applying an integrated approach to fisheries within ecologically meaningful boundaries”.

(FAO 2003) Integration of the ‘Precautionary Principle’ into the decision making process - this principle was firmly established at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Rio Summit) 1992, and is laid out as Principle #15 of the Rio Declaration:

“Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation."

This principle therefore places the obligation on any government agency, organisation or individual conducting activities within or adjacent to the SFCA that may cause adverse impacts on the Bay’s marine ecosystem to err on the side of caution.

Adoption of an Adaptive Management Approach to ongoing management – adaptive management is the systematic process of continually improving management policies and practices by learning from the outcomes of a management programme as it is implemented. Therefore, adjustments to the Discovery Bay SFCA Management Plan should be allowed for, without changing the integrity and overall objectives of the Management Plan as experience is gained and lessons learnt through the implementation of management activities or as unforeseen circumstances dictate.


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Adopting an integrated management approach taking into account the needs of other users in the SFCA – there are a number of different users of the resources located and found in Discovery Bay. Some activities support livelihood activities whilst others are connected to activities concerning leisure and other passive activities. To achieve successful fishery conservation, an approach needs to be taken which goes beyond solely considering the fishing industry, but takes into account the other activities taking place within the Bay. Collaborative management through community participation – it is widely accepted in international conservation circles that protected areas rarely fully succeed without the full support of the local resident stakeholders. Threats to the integrity of the SFCA can only be addressed when those affected by the regulations are willing to comply and co-operate because they see a benefit in the long term sustainability of the Bay’s resources. Since the benefits of the SFCA go beyond the ADBFA, support from the whole community is essential. Equitable sharing of costs and benefits – the benefits of a special fishery conservation area are usually seen as a potential long term increase in the quality and quantity of the fishing resources due to the increased protection of the whole ecosystem. However, the costs are primarily borne by the local fishermen whose activities are curtailed by the establishment of a no fishing area. From the standpoint of equitability and compliance, it is of utmost importance that those who have borne the cost, by accepting restrictions to their activities and earning potential, are the ones who benefit from the Discovery Bay SFCA. It is now widely accepted by governments internationally and reiterated by the Convention on Biological Diversity that protected areas should:-

“ensure that conservation and development activities contribute to the eradication of poverty and ensure that the benefits arising from the establishment and management of protected areas are fairly and equitably shared, and do so with the full participation of indigenous and local communities and where applicable, taking into account communities own management systems and customary use”

(CBD 2008xvii)

Incorporating gender balance in decision making – It is vitally important that the role in resource exploitation and management is equally reflected with both men’s, women’s and youth involvement in the decision making process over the resources of Discovery Bay. The benefits from supporting the economic empowerment of women and youth through available schemes established by the Government of Jamaica and other agencies should be harnessed to diversify household incomes and develop non-traditional economy generating activities.

IX. STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT DIRECTIONS

The Strategic Management Directions of this Management Plan have been divided into three integrated components containing the ‘steps’ that together strive towards achieving the stated Vision and Goals for Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area:

I. Management Programmes

II. Management of Biological Values


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III. Management of Social Values

Additional Funding: In order to fully implement this plan, additional funding will be required over and above the monies set aside by the Fisheries Division to cover the costs required under the MoU agreement. Additional funding will be sought from a variety of sources to cover these additional costs. As applications for funding are often made on a competitive basis, to increase chances in making successful funding applications, members of the ADBFA will be provided with training in the various skills required through the Training Plan which accompanies this Management Plan.

Implementation: Overall responsibility for the Plan will remain with the Fisheries Division. Day to day responsibility for securing enforcement is with the ADBFA with support from the Fisheries Division, local Police and Marine Police. Enforcement within the Discovery Bay SFCA has been addressed in section 3 of the Management Programme component.

Evaluation and Plan Review: This plan will be valid and operational for a maximum period of ten years unless otherwise revoked by the preparation of a new plan or by public notification by the Fisheries Division to either extend or revoke the plan without replacement. As with any planning document, allowances are made for an adaptive approach to be taken, therefore periodic reviews will be undertaken jointly by the Fisheries Division and ADBFA to appraise the progress of implementation and effectiveness of the management programmes taking into account the ‘lessons learned’ and any ecological, social or economic changes that have occurred since the plan was first approved.

A. Management Programmes

1. Steering Group (MP-STG)

The overall responsible managers for the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area are the Fisheries Division. Day to day management has been delegated to the ADBFA through the signing of the MoU jointly with the Jamaican Fisherman's Co-operative. The Fisheries Division, the ADBFA and Jamaican Fisherman's Co-operative will form the permanent group members of the Steering Group. The Fisheries Division will hold the chairpersonship of the Steering Group. The Steering Group may invite third parties to attend and assist the Steering Group in technical matters. The Steering Group will address comments and queries raised by the Community Forum.


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Diagram 1: Composition of the Discovery Bay Steering Group Regular meetings will be held between the Fisheries Division and ADBFA to ensure the smooth implementation of the Management Plan, resolve any management problems and determine any issues between the three parties. Unless otherwise agreed between the parties. Quarterly meetings will be called by the Fisheries Division.

MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES Steering Group (MP-STG)

Objectives of Management Management Actions

MP-STG1: To ensure smooth working partnership between the Fisheries Division and ADBFA and guarantee the implementation of the

A Steering Group comprising of the Fisheries Division and Discovery Bay stakeholder groups will established. This group will convene


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Management Plan.

quarterly meetings. The minutes of the meetings will be recorded.

2. Zoning (MP-ZON)

There is no approved zoning plan for Discovery Bay. A simple system of informal zoning is already active in the Bay. This regulates the recreation activities both in terms of public safety and restricts activities in conservation sensitive areas. The ADBFA manage the informal zones and buoys are used to demarcate the specific areas. Assessment of the effectiveness of the current zoning activities is required to ascertain whether the current zoning pattern is effective in meeting conservation objectives and whether the zoning activities should be formalised into an approved regulatory framework and how this could be achieved. Fisheries law does not provide a framework to zone a SFCA, formal zoning would need to be achieved through a separate legal instrument and undertaken by NEPA.

MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES Zoning (MP-ZON)


MP-ZON1: To review the need to formalise management zones located within the Discovery Bay Special Fisheries Conservation Area.

Undertake or facilitate research and stakeholder consultations on the effectiveness of zoning as an aid to achieving the objectives for the Special Fishery Conservation Area and subject to study results, reject the need or formalise zone areas within regulatory framework if deemed necessary.

MP-ZON2: To ensure that the informal system of zoning is maintained and effective in controlling activities within the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area.

Provide ADBFA with the training and equipment necessary for the installation and maintenance of marking buoys and other infrastructure to demarcate various use zones in the Bay.

MP-ZON3: To inform stakeholder and water users of the position and regulations pertaining to each zone.

A map of the DBSFCA and its zoned areas and rules pertaining to each zone and the will be located in strategic positions around the Bay and within a public building in Discovery Bay (police station etc) and at the Fisheries Division office in Kingston.


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3. Public Participation in Management (MP-PPM)

The Fisheries Division with the support of the ADBFA manages the Discovery Bay SFCA. Management however, must not preclude other sections and individual members of the community from participating both in the planning of management actions and their implementation.

Public participation can provide meaningful community engagement with the fishery managers and can sustain the support that is critical for effectively implementing the Management Plan. It is therefore important that both the Fisheries Division and the ADBFA maintains a relationship with all organisations and individuals with an interest in implementing the Management Plan or conserving the Bay for other reasons, including organisations and individuals who are keen to protect Discovery Bay for purely its ecological, cultural or social values. An important early step in the implementation of the Management Plan is to establish a community based forum in order to build the partnership between the local community and the SFCA managers. This forum should be used to disseminate information and news to the community, to develop joint arrangements for education and interpretation initiatives, for example with local schools and tourism facility operators, and to allow the community to express their views and raise their concerns to the Fisheries Division and ADBFA. Furthermore, engaging the police as an organisation that works both within and for the community should not be overlooked. Engaging the police within a community based forum not only strengthens the relationship with the managers of Discovery Bay, but brings in professional advice on security and enforcement issues. A community based forum meeting should be held at least bi-annually. This can be more frequent in the early years of the plans implementation or if special issues arise that need discussion with the community as a whole. To reinforce the links between the Discovery Bay SFCA, the ADBFA will designate one of its members the responsible ‘Community Liaison Person’ to liaise with the Discovery Bay community. This person will act as the intermediary between the Discovery Bay SFCA managers and the community and report back to the Steering Group. The ‘Community Liaison Person’ will also be responsible for maintaining a database of local community organisations, contacts and their history of participation in order to maximize the public participation process. To strengthen the community- management relationship and inform local people of the importance of conserving Discovery Bay a public event will be arranged annually. This event will focus on the young residents in the area.

MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES Public Participation (MP-PPM)



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MP-PPM1: To facilitate on-going community participation in the management of the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Area.

Establish and maintain a community-based forum to meet quarterly in years 1 and 2 and biannually thereafter The ADBFA will designate one of its members as ‘Community Liaison Person’ whose function will be to ensure good contact is maintained with the wider community and ensure that any decisions or actions taken at the SFCA that concern the community are communicated in an appropriate manner. One public event will be held annually to promote the conservation activities in Discovery Bay. These events will focus in particular on young local residents in the area. Sources of sponsorship funding for the public events will be identified in the Business Plan. Maintain a database of community organisations, contacts and history of participation.

4. Patrol and Enforcement (MP-PAE)

Various activities take place in and around the Discovery Bay SFCA that compromise the integrity of the SFCA. These acts may be unintentional such as swimming / boating outside of a designated zone or intentional such as poaching of fish. Ensuring that the activities taking place in the Bay are commensurate with its conservation status is considered to be a primary activity of management. In particular, the enforcement of a no fishing zone within the Bay area is of major importance. On a day-to-day basis, this activity is primarily the task of the ADBFA as set out in the MoU and for which the Fisheries Division has agreed to support with subventions. Overall, the ADBFA have been effective in their enforcement activities, however, for this activity to be wholly successful, continued support is needed from the various government agencies with law enforcement responsibilities, in particular the Fisheries Division, Marine Police Force and local Police Force. Furthermore, the enforcement capacity of the ADBFA needs to be strengthened. Members of the ADBFA have expressed their willingness to be trained in the first instance as honorary Game Wardens and later as Special District Constables with the authority to uphold the regulations and laws pertaining to the management of the SFCA as provided in “The Constables (District) Act” (1899).

Increasing and ensuring the co-operation of the Marine Police and local Police through continued collaboration is one of the principal problems to be overcome. Keeping the local police up to date on regulations pertaining to Discovery Bay and maintaining a close relationship with the local police officers will need to be continually addressed due to the regular turnover of Police staff. The appointment of ADBFA members as Special District Constables would go some way towards achieving this goal.


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MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES Patrol and Enforcement (MP-PAE)


MP-PAE1: To achieve a high level of compliance with regulations, permitted uses and other management arrangements within Discovery Bay SFCA by equipping the ADBFA with the necessary resources, equipment and training to undertake patrol, enforcement and compliance actions, zoning and office support equipment to uphold the statutory designation of the Discovery Bay SFCA

The Fisheries Division will provide the timely allocation of resources and finances in accordance with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to ensure continuing management and enforcement of SFCA regulations by the ADBFA. Three members of ADBFA and two staff members of Discovery Marine Laboratory will be proposed to NEPA for training as Honorary Game Wardens. Volunteer members from ADBFA will be selected for training as Special District Constables to provide additional support for enforcement actions. Identify training needs of all ADBFA members to ensure that they are knowledgeable on undertaking enforcement action. Encourage voluntary compliance and peer enforcement of regulations through maintaining regular patrols, maintaining regular contact with businesses and individuals utilising the Bay’s resources, undertaking community liaison and information dissemination, maintaining dialogue and providing educational materials concerning the SFCA to local schools.

MP-PAE2: Build and maintain links with police and other enforcement agencies at all levels.

Management will engage with the various enforcement agencies and explore and develop the most appropriate mechanism to ensure that the Police and other enforcement agencies are kept up to date with marine legislation for SFCAs in Jamaica and keep them informed of the work being undertaken and support required at the local SFCA level.


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5. Training (MP-TRN)

Support and training for the members of the ADBFA will be undertaken in order that they can meet both current and future responsibilities as managers of the Discovery Bay SFCA. Members of the ADBFA currently undertake a number of management and management support roles that require training. Training and capacity building will be an ongoing and flexible process in order that it responds to changing situations and personnel turnover. Training will be undertaken both in-house and through external trainers. A ‘Train-the-Trainer’ programme will be developed during the plan implementation period, this will be supported by various training aids such as booklets and audio / video materials. Younger members and new entrants to the ADBFA should be particularly encouraged to participate in training in order to develop their proficiency both in fish conservation management and to develop new skills as a means of opening further employment opportunities. The GEF project “Strengthening the Operational and Financial Sustainability of the National Protected Area System” will support the formulation of a Training Plan, this plan will identify and meet the needs of the ADBFA over the plan period, but may include some or all of the following areas:

• Updating knowledge and aspects of law; • Enforcement techniques; • Statement writing; • Evidence chain of custody; • Court proceedings and evidence; • Installation of buoys, mooring equipment and other management equipment; • Use of computers and programmes (including email and Skype) record keeping, book keeping; • Basic scientific survey / data collection techniques; • Basic social monitoring and survey techniques; • Writing skills for preparing project proposals and applications for grant funding; • Public awareness and interpretation skills; • Tourism guiding skills and customer care. • Small boat handling, survival and safety at sea

A number of international agencies support training and provide equipment for undertaking marine conservation activities in protected areas. The different agencies should be identified and their advice and services used wherever feasible. These agencies / projects include UNEP-CEP / INTASAVE-CARIBSAVE / C-FISH etc.

The operation of bauxite loading at Port Rhoades creates a potential risk to the ecological integrity of the Discovery Bay SFCA. Whatever safeguards are put into place the risk of pollution through accidents will always remain. Reducing the risk by whatever means must be considered. A contribution to reducing risk is undertaking awareness training for both the senior staff members of bauxite operator staff and the dock staff responsible for loading the bulk carrying vessels. This awareness training should be coupled with a review of the safeguards policy for the operation of Port Rhoades to ensure that the most effective response can be made should an incident occur.


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To support both the patrol and enforcement of regulations and public participation in management, short training courses for Police personnel are required, particularly to inform officers new to the area on the aspects of Discovery Bay SFCA and its regulations and provide information that will support the ADBFA in undertaking their patrol and enforcement duties.

MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES Training (MP-TRN)

Objectives of Management Management Actions MP-TRN1: Formulation and implementation of Training Plan including planning and implementing a Train-The-Trainers programme

Support will be given by management agencies for the implementation of the Training Plan (separate to this document)

MP-TRN2: To ensure that ADBFA have the resources, training, support and equipment to undertake day-to-day management of the Discovery Bay SFCA

Training or equipment required for the fulfillment of the ADBFA’s management role will be identified within the framework of the GEF project “Strengthening the Operational and Financial Sustainability of the National Protected Area System” along with the technical assistance / finance required to fulfill its requirements. Other agencies and donors who are able to support the SFCA through providing training or additional equipment will be identified and applications made e.g. UNEP-CEP / INTERSAVE-CARIBSAVE / C-FISH etc.

MP-TRN3: To support young fishermen entering the profession Specific support should be identified for young entrants to fishing and incorporated into the training plan.

MP-TRN4: To ensure the management staff and workers specifically responsible for the loading of ships in Port Rhoades are fully aware of the importance of Discovery Bay as a SFCA.

Discussions will be held with the bauxite operating company to identify training opportunities for staff on safe working operations to reduce risk of spills into Discovery Bay.

6. Information, Interpretation and Education (MP-IIE)

Activities in education and interpretation play a key role in achieving the desired outcome of increasing public awareness of the conservation and management of the SFCA and the environment in general. Providing information, interpretation and education (IIE) can help inform both local inhabitants and visitors alike, through fostering an understanding and appreciation of Discovery Bay with its special natural and cultural values, and building an understanding of the management activities and why restrictions have been placed on certain activities. IIE will also help both local residents and visitors alike to experience Discovery Bay in a safe and appropriate manner. Given Discovery Bay’s diverse and treasured marine and coastal environment, which is located within easy access of the A1 highway, the potential for expanding the tourism service industry in the future is significant. Greater numbers of visitors to Discovery Bay will place greater pressure and risk on the


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Bay’s resources, thus making effective IIE an important factor in ensuring long term sustainability. In collaboration with the Fisheries Division, ADBFA, Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory, local schools, local community groups and other interested parties, an information, education and interpretation programme should be devised to address the following:

• The history of development of SFCAs, in particular that of the DB SFCA. • The importance of ecological and social values of the marine conservation in the Discovery Bay area. • The regulations and boundaries of the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area. • Using appropriate behaviour in order to avoid or reduce human impacts on the Bay, in particular, illegal fishing activities, waste management, and to

ensure public safety.

The location and content of existing interpretation materials and boards needs to be reviewed as part of the programme process. Information for tourists needs to be concentrated in locations where visitors congregate, with special emphasis placed on providing interpretation materials at Puerto Seco Beach and Columbus Park. Helping the local community, especially young people to better understand their environment and develop the knowledge, values, attitudes, skills and behaviours to improve it for themselves and future generations lies at the core of the sustainable development agenda. Providing educational materials for local schools and ADBFA members making themselves available for talks to students helps to get the fish conservation message across to the wider community and instills in young people the environmental conservation message.

MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES Information, Interpretation and Education (MP-(IIE)

Objectives of Management

Management Actions

MP-IIE1: To increase community understanding of and support for, the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area and issues that affect its conservation such as climate change through an information, education and interpretation programme.

Design and develop an information, education and interpretation programme in collaboration with external organisations designed to raise Discovery Bay community awareness of SFCA. Education and Interpretations Designs and content approved of education materials required as identified in the Information, Education and Interpretation Programme.

Distribute appropriate education and interpretive materials to individuals, community groups, clubs, schools, customers and staff of commercial operations.

MP-IIE2: Increase visibility and knowledge of Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area

During the compilation of the Information, Education and Interpretation Programme, review existing signage and interpretation materials and


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recommend updates of existing materials and new additions. Design, prepare and erect signage and materials in accordance with the requirements of the Information, Education and Interpretation Programme

7. Research (MP-RES)

Developing an understanding of the ecological and social values of the Special Fishery Conservation Area is a critical factor in achieving its effective management. A significant amount of research activity has been carried out in recent years and continues to be undertaken by the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory and it is expected that this will continue and the knowledge base of Discovery Bay continue to grow. The Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory was instrumental in establishing the Discovery Bay SFCA initially as a locally managed reserve and they have remained a strong supporter of the ADBFA ever since.

Whilst current marine research activities are wide ranging, research also needs to take into account social values of the SFCA. There is therefore a specific need to ensure research not only continues to assess the status of fish stocks, but also takes into account the whole range of environmental and social costs and benefits of the long term establishment of the SFCA and use the lessons learned, for application both in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES Research (MP-RES)


MP-RES1: To obtain an appropriate understanding of the biodiversity, key ecological processes and social issues in the SFCA.

Where possible, facilitate ecological and social research in the SFCA conducted by research, academic and educational institutions, by providing financial and logistical assistance. Identify priority research needs, initiate, develop and progressively implement a co-ordinated and prioritised research programme focusing on key ecological and social values, processes and issues in Discovery Bay SFCA to support adaptive management of the SFCA and disseminate results and recommendations across other SFCAs in Jamaica.

MP-RES2: To promote ecological and social research that improves Create and maintain a database of research information relevant to the


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knowledge of the DBSFCA and provides the technical basis for management decisions.

management of the SFCA e.g. human use patterns, wildlife presence for setting research, planning baselines and facilitating Management Plan revisions.

MP-RES3: To promote and facilitate the use of the SFCA for marine education for all levels and ages of students.

Establishment of a working group with interested parties to identify and co-ordinate student and school based research and monitoring activities within the SFCA and monitor its impacts in costs and benefits to the wider local coastal fishery.

8. Monitoring (MP-MON)

Monitoring the condition of the marine environment is essential for measuring the effectiveness of the management of the Discovery Bay SFCA. Monitoring enables the early detection of detrimental impacts and provides the trigger for corrective management action before ecological and social values of the marine park become significantly degraded. Because of the location of the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory, this area is one of the most frequently monitored marine conservation areas in Jamaica in terms of its fish populations and marine biodiversity. As with all protected areas, monitoring programmes need to focus on the full range of ecological and social objectives set out in the Management Plan. Where required, short-term management targets will be developed, or further refined, to reflect meaningful interim steps for achieving the longer term management targets and SFCA objectives.

MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES Monitoring (MP-MON)


MP-MON1: To monitor key fish management data, ecological values at risk and human usage in order to provide a basis for adapting and improving management of the Discovery Bay SFCA.

Formulize, develop and progressively implement a co-ordinated and prioritised Monitoring Programme for the ecological and social values of the SFCA including community based monitoring programmes, and with particular emphasis on Fisheries Division audit requirements. From baselines identified in the Monitoring Programme, monitor changes in key values within the SFCA against adequate baselines. To implement the management actions within the timeframe specified in the Monitoring Programme, Action Plan and Business Plan for DBSFCA


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9. Financial Support and Management (MP-ESF)

The Fisheries Division will remain the main contributor to funding the operational cost of the Discovery Bay SFCA. There are, however, a number of initiatives outlined in this Management Plan that require outside support. The subvention provided to the ADBFA through the MoA, is too small to meet all of the operational costs, however it is recognised by the Government of Jamaica that the subvention payment is a necessary "investment" for the management of the SFCA’s that can be used to lever additional support from external sources. A Business Plan for the Discovery Bay SFCA has been developed under the current GEF project and this outlines the opportunities for obtaining additional funds to support the various activities. Additional financial resources are available from time to time through government initiatives, donor funding, NGO funding and other supporters. These include the Caribbean Fish Sanctuary Partnership Initiative (C-FISH) and CAMPAM (UNEP-CEP).

Both the Fisheries Division and ADBFA will be proactive in seeking additional financial resources over the implementation period of the plan. This Management Plan is intended to serve as a supporting document for additional funding applications from third party organisations for the purpose of implementing the additional SFCA activities undertaken by both the Fisheries Division and ADBFS.

MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES Ensuring Sustainable Financing (MP-ESF)


MP-ESF1: To implement, in a coherent manner, the supporting management actions outlined in the Management Plan.

Implementation of the Discovery Bay SFCA Business Plan to achieve management Plan objectives. Annual programme of donor fund raising activities to provide additional funding will be formulated enabling the supporting management activities indicated in this Management Plan to be implemented.

B. Management of Biological Values

Discovery Bay is a Karst circular depression reaching to a maximum depth of 60 metres as indicated in Map 3 below, Map of Bathymetry. The Bay has been described as a “drowned river valley excavated by solution, which has been partly cut off from the sea by recent reef growth”xviii. A fault line divides the western and eastern portions of the Bay. The Bay falls within the Tropical Atlantic geographic bioregion and Greater Antillean Marine Eco-region spanning 70 million km2. This eco-region is known for its unique complexity of marine life and its unusual coral reef featuresxix.


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The Discovery Bay fishery is principally reef related, and is thus dependent on fish that directly depend on coral reefs, mangroves and reef protected habitats such as seagrass for at least a part of their life cycle. All three of these habitat types are present within the Bay (indicated in Map 4 below) and their conservation and protection are paramount to achieving a successful result in conserving, enhancing fish stocks in the area. Maintaining these three habitats relies heavily on conserving and wherever possible improving the water quality in the bay. Water issues include the inflow of nutrient enriched water that appears to be both from natural and various anthropogenic sources and the amount of sediment in the bay that has arisen from the bauxite operation in the bay area


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Map 3: Discovery Bay Jamaica. Map of Bathymetry

P o rt R h o a d e s

D isco very B ay Ja m a icaB a th ym etry

S o u rc e : P .M .H . G ay le & J .D . W o o d le y


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Map 4: Discovery Bay Jamaica. Approximate Locations of Biological Habitats

(Diagram of habitats provided by Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory)


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The impact of climate change influences the biological values across a range of habitats present in Discovery Bayxx&xxi including the fishery. The increasing hurricane occurrence, a manifestation of global warming, is causing significant impact on the reef systemxxii&xxiii along with other phenomena such as coral bleachingxxiv . Although only a small contribution to meeting the national and global climate change goals, the management of the Bay’s biological values such as its seagrass and mangrove habitats plays a role in managing and reaching the climate change / carbon sequestration targets.

Any future developments that take place in discovery Bay should result in ‘No Net Loss’ of the says natural habitats or biodiversity.

1. Water Quality (BIO-WQU)

Discovery Bay was originally named Puerto Seco (Dry Harbour) by Christopher Columbus because no permanent surface streams flow into the bay. However, there is an extensive system of submarine springs exiting into the bay, for example, thirty two springs have been identified exiting in the Red Buoy Reef area alone and many others exit along the fault line transecting the bayxxv. In research undertaken into swallow holes and springs in north-central Jamaica, it has been suggested that the drainage basin into Discovery Bay is upward of 21 km2xxvi , and may be as much as 60 km2.xxvii

In recent years, research has been undertaken into the water quality in Discovery Bay and in particular the impact of nutrient enrichment on the coral reefxxviii . Nutrients (dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus) enter the bay in a number of ways, e.g. through the freshwater submarine springs in various locations, surface runoff, seepage etc, both natural and anthropogenic sources are evident. The source of the natural dissolved inorganic nitrogen is considered to be from leaf litter and meteoric water coming into the Bay through the submarine springsxxix.

Possible anthropogenic sources of pollution include, agro-chemicals or other unknown pollutants entering the extensive drainage basin and washing out into the bay through the submarine springs. A second undetermined source is the various chemicals produced from vehicles wash off from the adjacent main highway and other roads in the vicinity. Thirdly, the lack of a centralised sewage collection and treatment system may also create impacts on water quality, especially from the various development based soak away systems that vary in efficiency.

The water quality in the bay is reported to vary across the different locationsxxx, with factors indicating anthropogenic affected water quality being found in the eastern, southwestern and western bay areas, but overall at the time of the study, the quality of water in the bay was considered to be goodxxxi . It has been reported that nutrients finding their way into the bay have resulted in increased algae growth.xxxii & xxxiii The coral reef assessment 2013 of twenty three sites across Jamaica found the reefs in Discovery Bay to have one of the highest rates of macro-algal growth cover.xxxiv

Concern has been expressed by the fishing community about the amount of sediments in the water resulting from activities such as dredging the shipping channel, the disturbance of sediments also occurs as a result of boat and ship propellers, where small boats and personal water craft (PWC- jet ski), are used in shallow water. This can create particular problems in seagrass beds and corals.

Bauxite dust enters the bay in two ways, through spills during loading of vessels at Port Rhoades or as a result of wind blow from the drying plant located at the back of the bay. Various scientists have studied the issue and extent of bauxite contamination in the bay over recent years. What is known is that the problem is complex but studies show that the impact of bauxite sediment leads to lowering coral growth rates on the Discovery Bay reefs..xxxv & xxxvi & xxxvii

Reducing the amount of bauxite entering the bay either through accidental spillage or as wind blown dust needs to be discussed between the bauxite operators, NEPA, Fisheries Division and the Port Authority of Jamaica. Addressing the incidence of accidental spillage during loading can be addressed by training operators loading the bauxite and ensuring that an emergency response plan is in place should a large spillage of bauxite or other shipping related


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incident occur. Windblown contamination of the bay is more difficult to address, however various techniques have been developed elsewhere that may be appropriate in the circumstances. These need to be explored jointly by the management of the bauxite operator and specialists from NEPA.

Reducing anthropogenic created pollution and sediment decreases stress on the marine environment and has a particular impact on improving the health of the seagrass beds and coral reef system. This not only contributes to increasing the variety, numbers and size of fish stocks but also increases the protection of properties in the bay area from flooding.

BIODIVERSITY Water Quality (BIO-WQU)


BIO-WQU1: To maintain and improve the water quality of Discovery Bay by ensuring that there is no significant impact from nutrient and sediment run-off from catchment based activities.

Determine water quality baselines by using existing data sets such as those produced by the ‘Coastal Water Quality Improvement Project’ determine a baseline from which changes in water quality can be measured. Liaise with relevant authorities and organisations to reduce land based pollutant inputs into Discovery Bay e.g., litter, nutrients and storm water.

BIO-WQU2: To maintain and improve the water quality of Discovery Bay by ensuring that there is no significant impact from nutrient and sediment run-off from marine and shipping based activities.

Take lawful action against any illegal discharge from vessels in the SFCA. Liaise with relevant authorities and organisations to reduce marine based pollutant inputs into Discovery Bay e.g. marine debris, ballast water, cargo spillage.

BIO-WQU3: To reduce the incidence risk of bauxite or other pollutants from the bauxite operations entering the Discovery Bay SFCA through accidental spillage or wind blow.

Ensure that an emergency response plan is in place in case of bauxite or related pollutant spillage into the SFCA. Investigate techniques for reducing wind blown particles from bauxite workings entering the SFCA. Awareness training will be undertaken for bauxite operating company staff responsible for loading bauxite at Port Rhoades


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2. Coral Reef (BIO-COR)

Coral cover in Jamaica’s reef area of 763km2 declined from 50% in the 1970’s to less than 5% in the 1990’s, rebounding back to around 15% by 2008xxxviii . However, Jamaica’s reefs remain under constant threat from both natural causes such as bleaching and anthropogenic causes such as pollution from waste sewers, agro-chemical run-off, spear fishing etc. Coral reefs in Jamaica are subject to specific regulations pertaining to their protection and conservation. These are laid out in the documents, Coral Reef Protection and Preservation Policy and Regulation (1997)xxxix and the Jamaica Coral Reef Action Plan (1999)xl together these documents set out the framework for coral reef conservation both at national and local levels and will be adhered to within the context of this plan. The coral reefs at Discovery Bay are included in the biannual Coral Reef Health Index (CRHI) surveys. This extends across twenty three reef sites across nine sites in Jamaica. The tool has been designed to measure the overall reef health, and utilises the Mesoamerican Reef ecosystem to track reef management progress for both maintaining and rebuilding reef health. The latest survey was undertaken in 2013. A score of 1.9 CRHI was given to the Discovery Bay reefs, making them the second lowest score of the locations surveyed, and at the low end of the ‘poor health’ CRHI classification. Any further decline will push the Discovery Bay reefs into the ‘critical’ classification. A report published in 2011 by the World Resources Institute “Coastal Capital: Jamaica,”xli examined a diverse array of benefits coral reefs make to the people and economy of Jamaica such as fisheries and tourism. The report also looks specifically at the causes of reef loss, both anthropogenic and through natural agents, many of which are exacerbated by climatic changes. The report went on to highlight the importance of reef conservation and its impact both physically and economically if the reef was to become further degraded. Models of various reef systems in Jamaica were constructed to indicate the water level impacts at the shore between “current reef” and a “severely degraded reef”. The impact of reef degradation was found to be highest at Discovery Bay, with a difference of 0.8 metres for a one year return period storm and 0.6 metres for a 25 year storm. The report further indicated that the degradation of reef at Discovery Bay will lead to significant flooding in the parts of the town at a lower elevation. The impact on the port facilities was not noted, however, reef loss could result in a diminished ‘safe harbour’ and thus the number of days cargo can be handled each year. The fringing coral reef extends across the mouth of Discovery Bay. On the west side the reef crest breaks the surface and on the east side it lies just below the surface. Further areas of coral reef are located both within the bay itself and extends outwards to the open sea to a depth of approximately 50 metres. In 1964 the natural channel located between the two outer reefs was deepened from 5 metres to 12 metres in order to facilitate larger bulk carrier vessels to enter the bay for the transport of bauxite from the Port Rhoades port facility.

Research and monitoring of the Discovery Bay coral reef has been extensive going back some 50 years, and more lately by the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory and NEPA, in 2007. In Coral Reef Early Warning System was installed at Discovery Bay measuring a wide range of parameters and providing data for predicting coral bleaching events. The work undertaken by the various agencies does provide a considerable understanding of the dynamics of the reef environment and its state of health, providing a baseline tool for management decisions.

BIODIVERSITY Coral Reef (BIO-COR)



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BIO-COR1: To maintain diverse and healthy coral communities in the marine park by ensuring that there is no significant impact from human activities within the SFCA.

Enforcement of no fishing regulations. Provision of fixed boat moorings in the bay and introducing restrictions on the use of boat anchors within the bay. Control and protection of sensitive areas by zoning of activities within the bay especially tourism activities such as boating, PWC’s and snorkeling. Ensuring the entry / exit channel for vessels to Port Rhoades is well marked at all times.

BIO-COR2: To protect coral reefs from activities likely to damage or cause long term degradation to the coral communities or reef system e.g. dredging.

Fisheries Division will be informed and advice sought when activities likely to create an environmental impact on the coral communities are planned within Discovery Bay. Fisheries Division will be informed and advice sought when unplanned activities or events that have or are continuing to impact on Discovery Bay have taken place. Ensure that either an EIA or Environmental Statement in accordance with the relevant environmental regulations / law is undertaken where this is required for the undertaking of an operation within the bay. Where required and agreed with NEPA and Fisheries Division, action will be taken to protect the coral communities and other sensitive marine habitats from the effects of actions taken in the bay e.g. use of silt curtains when dredging.

BIO-COR3: Creation of awareness among the population of the importance of coral reef ecosystems and the need for their conservation

Develop and implement an information, education and interpretation programme in collaboration with external organisations designed to raise community awareness of conserving coral reefs and their significant importance within the SFCA.

3. Mangrove(BIO-MAN)

Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), the Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) follows and the White Mangrove (Languncularia racemosa) is found further inland. Mangrove provides a valuable habitat by providing breeding areas and serving a ‘nursery’ function by providing temporary habitat for juvenile fish before they migrate to the open sea as sub-adults or adults. Mangroves also serve as valuable buffers to reduce agricultural and other sources of


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anthropogenic pollutants reaching the open water. Throughout Jamaica, mangrove has been lost due to a range of factors including beach clearance, coastal development and mangrove harvesting, however, nowadays the value of mangrove is increasingly being understood from the perspective of its biological values including fish nursery function and its coastal protection functions resulting from tidal surges caused by storms and rising sea levels. Although the Mangrove habitats located in Discovery Bay are small in area, their value, particularly in supporting the fisheries should not be underestimated. Conserving and maintaining healthy Mangrove habitats is therefore considered to be an important goal within this Management Plan.

BIODIVERSITY Mangrove (BIO-MAN)


BIO-MAN1: Conservation and protection of the Mangrove Ecosystem from habitat degradation and ensure that its fish ‘nursery’ and climate change mitigation functions are upheld.

To take enforcement action against offenders to protect all mangrove trees fringing Discovery Bay from activities such as illegal felling and / or cutting and other activities that lead to Mangrove degradation such as rubbish dumping, lighting fires etc. Ensure that all planned activities impinging on mangrove and other wetland sites are subject to the NEPA approval process and sites are monitored for compliance with planning conditions where an approved activity is implemented. Protect mangrove stands by serving a “Tree Preservation Order” under relevant legislation.

BIO-MAN2: Maintenance of genetic diversity of endemic mangrove species

To take action to conserve all remaining mangrove in Discovery Bay. If and when required undertake activities to restore / rehabilitate mangrove habitats with locally raised stock under the supervision of a local biological specialist.

BIO-MAN3: Creation of awareness among the population of the importance of Mangrove Ecosystem and the need for its conservation

Develop and implement an information, education and interpretation programme in collaboration with external organisations designed to raise community awareness of conserving mangroves and their significant importance within the SFCA.

4. Seagrass (BIO-SGR)

Located within Discovery Bay are beds of seagrass (spp). Seagrass beds have been identified, alongside mangroves and salt marshes, as efficient coastal “blue carbon” sinks, and potential carbon sources if lost or degraded, storing twice as much carbon as forests for the comparable area. Located in the Tropical


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Atlantic bioregion, high levels of species diversity may be foundxlii, in Discovery Bay Thalassia testudinum species dominate the sward, Syringodium filiforme and Halodule wrightii may also be present. The ecosystem services provided by Seagrass meadows rank among the highest of all ecosystems on the planet, not only by providing shelter for fish and other marine organisms but also as a direct food source for a wide range of larger species such as turtle and manatee. The roots and rhizomes of seagrasses also stabilize and filter sediments and reduce erosion. As with terrestrial grasses, light is the dominating factor for seagrass productivity, similarly controlling daily growth and seasonal productivity, factors that reduce light or solar irradiance such as disturbed sediments can create significant impacts on seagrass health and thus on the ecosystem services it provides. The two greatest anthropogenic impacts on seagrasses are sediment loading and eutrophication,xliii evidence of both exists at Discovery Bay. Managing the reduction of the causes of these impacts needs to become a priority action of the various stakeholder groups during the lifetime of this planning document. The “overall aim of management is to promote the conservation of seagrasses in order to sustain their important role in the present and future well being of all.” This is an encompassing document setting out the aims, goals and key principles for seagrass conservation and importantly the policy sets out specific strategies many being directly pertinent to Discovery Bay and in particular guidelines and actions to be taken during the maintenance of ports and harbours. Whilst the government has not adopted this policy document, it still remains an important guideline to be adhered to in the context of this Management Plan.

BIODIVERSITY Seagrass (BIO-SGR)


BIO-SGR1: To maintain the diverse and abundant seagrass communities of the SFCA and surrounding areas by ensuring that there is no significant impact from nutrient and sediment run-off from catchment based activities.

NEPA and Fisheries Division will be informed and advice sought when activities likely to create an environmental impact on the seagrass habitats are planned within Discovery Bay.

BIO-SGR2: To maintain the diverse and abundant seagrass communities of the SFCA by ensuring that there is no significant impact from either a commercial or tourism related activity .

During the zoning of the SFCA, attention will be paid towards ensuring that neither a commercial or tourism related activity that is likely to damage the seagrass habitats are excluded from sensitive areas.

BIO-SGR3: Creation of awareness among the population of the importance of the seagrass ecosystem and the need for its conservation

Develop and implement an information, education and interpretation programme in collaboration with external organisations designed to raise community awareness of conserving seagrass and its significant importance within the SFCA.


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5. Fish (BIO-FSH)

Discovery Bay was historically subject to the vicious circle of economic overfishing leading to biological overfishing, as a result both fish sizes and fish catches diminished, hence the recognition by the Discovery Bay fishing community to declare the bay as a voluntary sanctuary, subsequently becoming a recognized SFCA through the Fisheries Division.

In 1995 a base line surveyxliv was undertaken to determine fish structure and habitat types. This was used to establish an ongoing monitoring programme to determine any occurring changes over time to the fish community structure. Twenty species were identified and baselines calculated during the initial survey. The most abundant fish species / families were found to be Stegastes spp (ray-finned fish). Scarus spp. (parrotfish (juvenile)), Chromis cyanea (blue reef chromis), Thalassoma bifasciatum (bluehead wrasse), Sparisoma spp (parrotfish).

Anecdotal evidence from the fishermen themselves suggests that the numbers and sizes of fish are increasing and catches outside of the SFCA are seeing a benefit. However, there is a significant need to maintain regular monitoring of fish inside the SFCA to gain a scientific basis for assessing both the successes and failures of the conservation measures undertaken, and to assess any further modifications to management or management interventions within the SFCA. Furthermore, monitoring of catches taken within the peripheral areas of the SFCA should be made to assess the impact on the SFCA on adjacent fishing areas and where necessary to take measures to ensure that overfishing does not take place that could affect conservation measures inside the SFCA.

The National Invasive Alien Species Strategy & Action Plan for Jamaica 2014-2020xlv provides the national framework for the management and eradication of invasive alien species.

BIODIVERSITY Fish (BIO-FSH)


BIO-FSH1: To ensure that management decisions are based on sound scientific data.

Monitoring of fish diversity, numbers, size and health will be undertaken both within Discovery Bay and in the peripheral areas of the SFCA (zone of influence). The methodology of the monitoring will be determined in accordance with the Monitoring Programme MP-MON1

BIO-FSH2: To encourage and maintain diverse and abundant fish communities in the SFCA by ensuring that the no fishing regulations are upheld.

Maintain the SFCA as a no fishing zone in accordance with the regulations by providing community information on the bay’s status and undertaking patrols and enforcement.

BIO-FSH3: To encourage and maintain diverse and abundant fish communities in the SFCA and surrounding areas by ensuring there is no significant impact from commercial and recreational activities within the SFCA and surrounding areas.

Maintain the SFCA as a no fishing zone in accordance with the regulations. Exclude activities through zoning that disturb the fish population and / or


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habitats on which the fish breed, spawn and feed

6. Introduced Alien Species (BIO-IAS)

Invasive alien marine pests can pose a potential threat to marine communities. The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recognises the urgent need to address the impact of invasive alien species and has set out a series of guidelines both to prevent and manage alien species. These are set out in its publication “Invasive Alien Species – a threat to biodiversity” available on the CBD website. Lionfish Pterois volitans and Pterois miles is an alien species found in Discovery Bay. There are differing opinions among the scientific community at the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory as to whether this fish species is a) under control, b) causing damage to native species and habitats, whatever its current status. It is however highly improbable that this species can be eliminated from Discovery Bay therefore control will be an ongoing task. Both the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory and NEPA have produced guidance for Lionfish controlxlvi within the GEF/UNEP project Mitigating the Threat of Alien Species in the Insular Caribbean (MTIASIC) led by the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory. The main sources of introduced alien marine pests into a new area such as Discovery Bay will be through visiting vessels and yachts either releasing ballast water or through organisms becoming detached from their hulls. Should any presence of alien species be found in Discovery Bay, the details should be forwarded immediately to the Fisheries Division and NEPA for immediate action.

BIODIVERSITY Introduced Alien Species (BIO-IAS)


BIO-IAS1: Increase efforts to monitor and prevent the introduction of alien species into the marine ecosystem.

Fisheries Division and NEPA will be informed immediately of any alien species discovered in the Bay and immediate action to eradicate the species taken. Establish and / or enhance voluntary or legal protocols to prevent activities that may introduce invasive alien species (e.g. release of ballast water into the bay) Monitoring for alien species will be devised and implemented within the proposed Monitoring Plan MP-MON1


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C. Management of Social Values

1. Commercial Fishing (MSV-COF)

Discovery Bay SFCA is a no fishing zone. No commercial fishing is allowed to take place at any time, unless strictly specified by the Fisheries Division for research or other purpose specified by them and confirmed in writing. The ADBFA are mandated by the Fisheries Division and supported by the Jamaica Constabulary Force and other Government agencies to strictly uphold the regulations of the Discovery Bay SFCA.

MANAGEMENT OF SOCIAL VALUES Commercial Fishing (MSV-COF)


MSV-COF1: To maintain the SFCA as a no fishing zone in accordance with the regulations.

Maintain the SFCA as a no fishing zone in accordance with the regulations by providing community information on the bay’s status and undertaking patrols and enforcement. Provide community information on the benefit of the SFCA to the community and bay’s status. Maintain regular patrols and enforcement to uphold the SFCA status.

2. Harbour and Cargo Handling Facilities (MSV-HCF)

Port Rhoades, handles around five million tons of processed bauxite per annum. The Port has been long established and is connected to the open sea by a channel cut through the two outer reefs. From time to time, this channel is dredged of silt in order to keep the Port operational. The regulation of Port Rhoades is based on national and internationally recognised operational standards by the Port Authority of Jamaica, who are the statutory corporation established by the Port Authority Act of 1972. The principal impacts on SFCA have been the build up of bauxite sediment in the bay resulting from spills during loading operations, windblown dust and sediment created by engineering works and dredging operations. As with any harbour facility, there is always a potential risk of accidental oil or bilge discharge by visiting vessels.

Establishing a Memorandum of Understanding between the bauxite operators and Discovery Bay stakeholder agencies is a potential future action that should be considered by the Discovery Bay Steering Group as a means of increasing cooperation and improving the synergies between the commercial and conservation activities in the bay.


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MANAGEMENT OF SOCIAL VALUES Harbour and Cargo Handling Facilities (MSV-HCF)


MSV-HCF1: To maintain and improve the water quality of Discovery Bay by ensuring that there is no significant impact from activities undertaken in the transport or handling of bauxite at Port Rhoades.

Awareness training will be undertaken for bauxite company staff responsible for loading bauxite at Port Rhoades Investigate techniques for reducing the incidence of spills and wind borne dust entering the SFCA during bauxite loading operations. Ensure that an emergency response plan is in place in case of bauxite or shipping related pollutant spillage into the SFCA.

3. Peripheral Development Activities (MSV-PDA)

Development activities taking place adjacent to Discovery Bay can have both a direct and indirect impact on the marine environment. Whilst this plan has no mandate to contribute to development control activities, due consideration needs to be given by the planning authority to ensure that no conflicts exist between the fishery conservation activities outlined in this Management Plan and the planning proposal under consideration. For larger development types the application screening and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process will make full consideration of the environmental costs and benefits of the developments. In cases where small developments do not trigger an EIA, the planning officers dealing with these smaller applications need to be fully aware of the possible implications on the marine environment. The planning officers must be able to draw freely on NEPA’s expertise as required to determine the application. Copies of this plan will be made freely available to the Planning Officers from Saint Ann Parish. Additionally, planning officers will be invited to the community based forum meetings to inform the forum of any planning applications that are likely to affect the SFCA in order to seek the views of the community.

MANAGEMENT OF SOCIAL VALUES

Peripheral Development Activities (MSV-PDA) Objectives of Management Management Actions


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MSV-PDA1: To ensure that new peripheral developments located in the vicinity of Discovery Bay do not have an adverse effect on the fishery and/or marine environment in general.

The Discovery Bay SFCA Management Plan and future amendments (zoning) will be circulated to the Planning Authorities concerned with determining planning applications around Discovery Bay. Persons responsible for planning issues in Saint Ann Parish will be invited to the community based forum to inform and seek views from the forum members regarding any planning applications for development that may affect the SFCA.

4. Recreation and Water Sports (MSV-RWS)

Discovery Bay attracts a variety of visitors, both domestic and international, who participate in a variety of water based recreational activities. The sand beaches are located predominantly on the eastern side of the bay. This includes the main visitor beach of Puerto Seco. Beach based activities can impact on the fishery or marine environment. Beach zoning to safely separate activities has been undertaken by the ADBFA. The bay draws a range of recreational boating activities ranging from motorized and sail boats, PWC, water ski, kayak etc. The activities are broadly spatially controlled through zoning with buoys undertaken by the ADBFA. Boating and associated activities can create impacts on habitats located in the shallow waters important for fish breeding and conservation. Boat movement in shallow waters can affect individual fish directly by disturbing normal activities such as nesting, spawning or feeding and the increased turbidity from boats may interfere with sight based feeding or success of eggs or fish spawning, increased turbidity can also affect seagrass beds and the coral reef. Seagrass beds are especially sensitive and vulnerable to propeller scarring resulting in habitat loss, decreased productivity and erosion. The use of PWC’s in marine conservation areas can be of particular concern. This is due to their use characteristics, unique propulsion systems and noise resulting from frequent stop-starts and operation at full throttle. A large number of PWC’s employ 2stroke engine technology for propulsion and are a major concern for air and water emissions of hydrocarbons and other pollutants to water and air. Studiesxlvii have shown that typically 2 -3 gallons of unburned fuel is discharged by a PWC per hour of use. Furthermore, whilst PWC’s do not generally have propeller systems, the turbulence produced by jet propulsion can cause disturbance to shallow marine environments as a result of sediment disturbance, especially during acceleration or turns when the thrust is often orientated downwards. Due to the known environmental damage issues created by PWCs, their use for recreational purposes have been either banned or heavily restricted in many marine protected areas worldwide, for example in the USA there is a complete ban on PWC, in over half of the countries Marine Parks. As part of the activity to review zoning in the bay, a review of the restricted zones in Discovery Bay to determine whether boating activities should be further restricted in areas important for fish breeding and marine conservation will be required. Special emphasis should be placed on reviewing the use of PWC’s within Discovery Bay with a view to phasing out this activity within the whole of the Discovery Bay SFCA. Scuba and snorkelling activities are undertaken in the shallow backwaters of the reef. The main environmental impacts occur when dive boats are anchored on the reef, and collision between divers and the reef. This usually occurs when the swimmers are inexperienced. Restrictive zoning to prevent the most sensitive parts of the reef being damaged can reduce the overall negative impact to the reefs.


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MANAGEMENT OF SOCIAL VALUES Recreational Water Sports (MSV-RWS)


MSV-RWS1: To ensure that recreational water sports are managed in a manner that is consistent with the maintenance of SFCAs ecological values, while providing opportunities for use and enjoyment.

Determine the nature, spatial and temporal patterns, compatibility and potential environmental impacts of all existing water sports in the SFCA and maintain a database of these. Through zoning Discovery Bay (MP-ZON):

i) Implement appropriate management arrangements to minimize damage to the ecology of the SFCA and reduce conflict between users.

ii) Designate and maintain vessel speed restrictions for wildlife

protection and / or for safety requirements. iii) Develop regulations to stop the use of PWCs within the SFCA

except for those used in the exercise of duties by the marine police.

5. Cultural Heritage (MSV-HER)

Discovery Bay is deemed by some popular opinion the landing place of Christopher Columbus in 1494 who named the bay Puerto Seco (Dry Harbour), whilst there is little physical evidence to be seen of the history of the bay and the cultural heritage of the Taíno Arawak Indians who inhabited the area in earlier times, the bays heritage does attract both domestic and international tourists, both for day trips and longer visits. The main attraction relating to heritage is the Columbus Park located overlooking the bay which provides interpretive material relating to the areas association with Columbus. The bay’s heritage plays a significant part in the tourism product thereby assisting in the development of alternative livelihoods. The interpretation of Discovery Bay’s heritage should be included into educational and interpretation materials.

MANAGEMENT OF SOCIAL VALUES Heritage (MSV-HER)


MSV-HER1: To increase awareness of local heritage pertaining to Include heritage interpretation into SFCA interpretation material and


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Discovery Bay within the local community and among visitors. education programmes. Include information and interpretation materials on the SFCA into heritage and heritage tourism materials and brochures.

6. Supporting Livelihoods (MSV-LIV)

Protected areas can play a role in supporting livelihood development. Gaining support for conservation activities can often be linked to the new livelihood opportunities such as ecotourism that arise from the declaration of a conservation area. In the case of Discovery Bay, this link is more tenuous as the aim in the short to medium term is to maintain a no fishing zone in order to rebuild the fishing stocks, During the ‘no fishing period’ which will extend over a number of years, fishermen are excluded from the bay for fishing purposes. As a result of the establishment of the SFCA and with the support of the Fisheries Division, some benefits are obtained both directly through subvention payments for providing patrol and other management services to the SFCA. Furthermore indirect benefits result from training and capacity building courses in skills such as administrative and computing undertaken to improve SFCA management. These skills can be applied across a range of other potential job opportunities or for self -employment. The Discovery Bay SFCA does provide other opportunities for fishermen to benefit from the conservation status of the bay, primarily in the area of ecotourism development. Marine conservation areas elsewhere in Jamaica, for example the Montego Bay Marine Park are already engaged in ecotourism activities as a means of financially supporting local livelihoods. The opportunities for developing marine ecotourism and linking this activity to benefit local fishermen has not been fully explored. Whilst there is potential to develop ecotourism within the SFCA, developing activities locally, but outside of the SFCA should also be investigated, as this not only widens the ecotourism development appeal and opportunities, but also reduces the impact of tourism on the SFCA itself by spreading the tourism activities across a wider area. Possible activities that could be developed by local fishermen who would provide both equipment and guide services at a relatively small cost include:

• Sea Kayak • Guided scuba diving safari • Guided snorkeling safari • Guided walks along the coast • Fishing (outside of SFCA) • Coasteering • Sea Level Traversing • Dinghy sailing


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The local fishermen will need to decide how they would proceed in developing new activities, i.e. as individuals, as a group under the ADBFA or something else. How ever they wish to proceed, both support in developing an ecotourism business plan and securing funds for equipment and working capital. Will be needed Possibilities for funding will need to be explored during the formulation of the Business Plan, potential funding sources could include:

• Bauxite Community Development Programme; • Tourism Product Development Ltd (Jamaica) • Jamaica Social Investment Fund (Facilities for tourism product enhancement)

MANAGEMENT OF SOCIAL VALUES

Supporting Livelihoods (MSV-LIV) Objectives of Management

Management Actions

MSV-LIV1: To build capacity in a range of skills in the local fishing community pertinent to the management of the SFCA but which may be applied to other secondary job opportunities arising in the local area.

Capacity building skills implemented within the framework of the Training Plan.

MSV-LIV2: To develop tertiary livelihood activities for local fishermen and support the overall conservation of Discovery Bay SFCA.

Provide support for wide ranging discussion between local fishermen and the development of ideas and proposals for the development of ecotourism activities that support both diversifying local fishing incomes and the conservation activities of the Discovery Bay SFCA.

X. REFERENCES

i Alloa Discovery Bay Fishermen Association registered with Jamaica Fisherman Co-operative Union http://www.ja-fishermen.com

ii http://www.MoA.gov.jm/Fisheries/fish_sanctuary.php

iii Approximated from 2011 population census. http://statinja.gov.jm

iv http://statinja.gov.jm


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v Per Comm ADBFA

vi Woodley, J.D. Sary, Z. (2000) Development of a locally-managed fisheries reserve at Discovery Bay, Jamaica, in Proceedings 9th International Coral Reef Symposium, Bali, Indonesia 23 -27 October 2000, Vol.2 p627 - 633

vii as above

viii Viera. A, Black. K,L, Woodley. J,D, Sary. Z, (1995) The Discovery Bay Fishery Reserve: Its Development, Management, Monitoring Plans and current Status in Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) 6-10 November 1995, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic p241 - 255

ix http://www.unesco.org/csi/pub/papers/gayle.htm

x Programme established in 1980

xi NEPA (2012) Revised Draft Action Plan for Implementing the Programme of Work on Protected Areas of the Convention on Biological Diversity, National Environment and Planning Agency, June 2012

xii Natural Resources and Environmental Management & the Hazard Risk Reduction and Climate Change Task Forces (2009) Vision 2030 Jamaica – Combined Sector Plan Natural Resources and Environmental Management & Hazard Risk Reduction and Climate Change, Kingston, July 2009 xiii Stephen. W. (2004) Think Global, Act Local: The Life and Legacy of Patrick Geddes, Edinburgh, Luath Press Ltd

xiv http://www.usgs.gov/blogs/features/usgs_top_story/mangroves-protecting-corals-from-climate-change

xv The stakeholder vision was formulated at the stakeholder meeting held at the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory on 25th June 2014.

xvi FAO (2003) The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries: issues, terminology, principles, institutional foundations, implementation and outlook. FAO Fisheries Technical Paper 443. Rome. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

xvii CBD (2008) COP 9 Decision IX/18 Protected areas Ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 9) Bonn, Germany, 19 to 30 May 2008 xviii Woodley. J,D, Robinson. E, (1977) Field guidebook to the modern and ancient reefs of Jamaica; 3rd International Coral Reef Symposium, Florida University of Miami

xix http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/ecoregions/greater_antillean_marine.cfm


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xx Crabbe. M,J,C, (2013) Coral Reef Populations in the Caribbean: Is There a Case for Better Protection against Climate Change? In American Journal of Climate Change, 2013, 2, 97-105 xxi Quinn. N,J, Kojis. B,L,(2003) Variation in subsurface seawater temperature off Discovery Bay, Jamaica and the U.S. Virgin Islands in Revista de Biología Tropical 51, Supl. 4: 181-187, 2003 xxii Kaufman. L,S, (1983)Effects of Hurricane Allen on reef fish assemblages near Discovery Bay, Jamaica in Coral Reefs August 1983, Volume 2 Issue1 pp 43-47 xxiii Woodle. J,D, (1989) The Effects of Hurricane Gilbert on Coral Reefs at Discovery Bay in UNEP Caribbean Environment Programme Technical Report #4 1989 xxiv Sandeman. I,A, (1988). Coral bleaching at Discovery Bay, Jamaica: a possible mechanism for temperature related in bleaching. Mass bleaching of coral reefs in the Caribbean: a research strategy. (J. Ogden & R.Wicklund, eds.). U.S. Department of Commerce Publication 88-2, 46-48 xxv Bonem. R,M, (1988) Effects of Submarine Karst Development on Reef Succession in Proceedings of the 6th International Coral Reef Symposium, Australia 1988 Vol 3 pp 419 - 423

xxvi Sweeting. M,M, (1973) Karst Landforms Columbia University Press, New York xxvii Bonem. R,M, (1988) Effects of Submarine Karst Development on Reef Succession in Proceedings of the 6th International Coral Reef Symposium, Australia 1988 Vol 3 pp 419 - 423

xxviii Cho.L,L, Woodley. J,D, (2000) Recovery of reefs at Discovery Bay, Jamaica and the role of Diadema antillarum in Proceedings 9th International Coral Reef Symposium, Bali, Indonesia 23 – 27 October 2000, Vol1

xxix D’Elia. C,F, Webb. L, Porter. J,W, (1981) Nitrate-rich groundwater inputs to Discovery Bay, Jamaica: A significant source of N to local coral reefs? Bulletin of Marine Science, 31(4):903-910.

xxx Greenaway. A,M, Gordon-Smith. D, (2006) The effects of rainfall on the distribution of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus in Discovery Bay, Jamaica in Limnol. Oceanogr, 51(5), 2006, 2206–2220 American Society of Limnology and Oceanography xxxi Webber. M, Edwards-Myers. E, Campbell. C, Webber. D, (2005) Phytoplankton and zooplankton as indicators of water quality in Discovery Bay, Jamaica in Hydrobiologia, August 2005, Volume 545, Issue 1, pp 177-193 xxxii Aronson, R. B. and Precht, W. F. (2000). Herbivory and algal dynamics on the coral reef at Discovery Bay, Jamaica. in Limnology and Oceanography, 45, 251-255.


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xxxiii Gayle. Peter, M,H, Woodley. Jeremy,D, Discovery Bay Jamaica, in Coastal region and small islands Paper 3 UNESCO Environment and development in coastal regions and in small island, http://www.unesco.org/csi/pub/papers/gayle.htm

xxxiv NEPA (2014) Coral Reefs of Jamaica, An Evaluation of Ecosystem Health 2013, A Report Card for Reefs. National Environment and Planning Agency March 2014 Kingston

xxxv Perry. C,T, Taylor. K,G, (2004) Impacts of Bauxite Sediment Inputs on a Carbonate-Dominated Embayment, Discovery Bay, Jamaica in Journal of Coastal Research: Volume 20, Issue 4: 1070-1079. 2004

xxxvi Perry. C,T, Taylor. K,G, Machent. P,G, (2006) Temporal shifts in reef lagoon sediment composition, Discovery Bay, Jamaica in Estuarine, Coastal and shelf Science 67 (2006) 133-144

xxxvii James. M, Crabbe. C, Carlin. J,P, (2007) Industrial sedimentation lowers coral growth rates in turbid lagoon environment, Discovery Bay, Jamaica in International Journal of Intergrative Biology IJIB 2007 Vol 1 No 1 37- 40

xxxviii NEPA (2008) Coral Reefs of Jamaica, Status and Trends. National Environment and Planning Agency March 2008 Kingston

xxxix NRCA (1997) Coral Reef Protection and Preservation Policy and Regulation Natural Resources Conservation Agency, USAID, TSS August 1997

xl Natural Resources Conservation Authority (1999) Jamaica Coral Reef Action Plan August 1999

xli Waite. R, Cooper. E, Zenny. N, Burke. L, (2011) Coastal Capital Jamaica – The Economic Value of Jamaica’s Coral Related Fisheries. Washington DC. World Resources Institute and The Nature Conservancy

xlii Short. F, Carruthers. T, Dennison. W, Waycott. M, (2007) Global seagrass distribution and diversity: A bioregional model. In Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 350 (2007) 3 – 20 Elsevier Press

xliii Gustavson. K, Huber. R, M, Ruitenbeek. J, eds (2000) Integrated Coastal Zone Management of coral Reefs: Decision Support Modeling IBRD / World Bank, Washington DC

xliv Viera. A, Black. K,L, Woodley. J,D, Sary. Z, (1995) The Discovery Bay Fishery Reserve: Its Development, Management, Monitoring Plans and current Status in Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) 6-10 November 1995, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic p241 - 255

xlv NEPA (2013) National Invasive Alien Species Strategy & Action Plan for Jamaica 2014-2020 Kingston National Environment and Planning Agency xlvi The Invasive Lionfish in Jamaica (GEF/UNEP/CABI MTIASIC Project) NEPA / Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory


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xlvii Asplund. T,R, (2000) The Effects of Motorized Watercraft on Aquatic Ecosystems Wisconsin Department of Natural Sciences & University of Wisconsin Madison WI

Attendees at the First Stakeholders Open Meeting held at the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory June 14th 2014.

1) Shawn Ascott Alloa - Fisherman Cooperative 2) Everton Bell Alloa - Fisherman Cooperative 3) Martin Williamson - Noranda Jamaica Bauxite 4) Arthur Clemetson - St. Ann Parish Council 5) Camilo Trench - University of the West Indies 6) Natalie Tellwright - University College London, UTC 7) Patrick McKenzie 8) David McKenzie 9) Rotoune Ralling 10) Ngozi Christian – NPAS Project Manager, Protected Areas Project 11) Andrew Sillitoe- NPAS Protected Area Management Specialist

Attendees at the Second Stakeholders Open Meeting held at the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory November 6th 2014.

1) Shawn Ascott - Alloa Fisherman’s Cooperative 2) Everton Bell - Alloa Fisherman’s Cooperative 3) David McKenzie - Alloa Fisherman’s Cooperative 4) Daryl Earl Alloa - Fisherman’s Cooperative 5) Vincent Williams - Home owner 6) Camilo Trench - UWI (Discovery Bay Marine Lab) 7) Deana-Lee Douglas - UWI (Discovery Bay Marine Lab) 8) Derrick Martin - DerrmarT 9) Khaleel Walters - Puerto Seco Beach 10) Junior Squire - Fisheries Division 11) Trevator Bryan - Fisheries Division 12) Patrice Gilpin - NEPA Community Animator 13) Alison Foster - NPAS Project Assistant 14) Andrew Sillitoe- NPAS Protected Area Management Specialist

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