Management Plan - Glover's Reef Marine Reserve

4.4 Management Strategies
4.4.1 Management Constraints and Limitations
Glovers Reef Marine Reserve – Management Plan
Several constraints and problems exist that can adversely affect the management of the
Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve. In an assessment of management effectiveness conducted in
2000, the reserve was ranked as only “moderately satisfactory” (McField 2000), which identified
a number of weaknesses in the areas of administration, related to staffing, accounting, filing
and record keeping, and internal communication. In this study, the Glover’s Reef Marine
Reserve also scored poorly in a number of its management programmes, with very little
implementation in areas such as environmental education and community outreach. Many of
the weaknesses identified in the 2000 assessment have been addressed since that time,
though there are still areas that can benefit from further strengthening.
Enforcement
Illegal fishing remains a continuing problem – there is particular concern for incursions into
the Conservation Zone and the north-east spawning aggregation site. The lack of sufficient
reserve staff for a continuous on-site presence, the budget limitations for fuel, the
remoteness of the spawning aggregation site, and the inability to conduct night patrols,
particularly in the spawning aggregation seasons, severly constrain the reserve wardens,
and these limitations are fully exploited by illegal fishermen. The current regulation allowing
residents to fish within the Conservation Zone is causing some friction, and decreasing
respect for the protected area from the traditional fishermen (this is being addressed
through the standardized marine reserve regulations currently being developed).
Patrolling is limited by budget, and whilst training is ongoing, the high staff turnover results
in qualifications and skills being lost. Difficult logistics, weak understanding of the Fisheries
regulations and protocols for the collection of evidence, and delays in court appearances
hinder convictions. Reserve staff are also frustrated by the past leniency seen towards noncompliant
fishermen, though this is currently being addressed by the development of more
stringent prosecution procedures
Recommended Management Actions:
Increased staff numbers
Increased fuel allowance for patrol activities
Prioritized patrolling of spawning aggregation site during peak spawning
season, with overnight presence
Continued collaboration with Belize Coastguard to supplement patrols during
peak fishing times
Continued increased communication with fishermen on Glover’s Reef Atoll
Staff training in enforcement and handling of evidence
Improved communications system
Improved accessibility and transport (a second boat in operation)
Personnel Management
The high rate of staff turnover at all levels is a serious constraint to the achievement of
management objectives, resulting in a lack of long term continuity in the implementation
of management policies. This is considered to be partly as a result of the remoteness of
the Glover’s Reef Atoll, the associated logistical problems, and the isolated work
conditions,. This is of particular concern in areas of monitoring and enforcement, where
an element of training is required to ensure staff have the capacity to implement activities
Wildtracks / Wildlife Conservation Society, 2007 96