#Status of Coral Reefs 2002 - International Coral Reef Action Network

Status of Coral Reefs in the Northern Caribbean and Atlantic Node of the GCRMN
GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION AND POLICY ON REEF CONSERVATION
Bahamas
Several organisations are responsible for conservation. The Bahamas National Trust
(BNT), a statutory, non-governmental, self- funded organisation, has the authority to
build and manage the national park system, and create by-laws to manage and protect
resources within all national parks. The Bahamas Environment Science and Technology
Commission coordinates the response to environmental, scientific, and technological
matters referred to the Bahamas by international organisations. The Department of
Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries administers the Fisheries Resources
(Jurisdiction and Conservation) Act, which govern marine resources. The Conservation
and Protection of the Physical Landscape of the Bahamas Act administers and regulates
excavation and mining of coastal areas. Private organisations, such as the Bahamas Reef
Environment and Educational Foundation assist in promoting protection.
Bermuda
Bermuda’s marine life is protected by a number of laws and ordinances. Under the 1972
Fisheries Regulations, spear fishing is illegal in waters in or less than 1 mile from shore
and offenders caught will be fined up to US$5,000.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands have some of the strictest marine conservation laws in place in the
Caribbean. The laws were first put into place in 1978 and were strengthened in 1993. The
rules prohibit: damaging coral by anchor, chains or any other means anywhere in Cayman
waters; the taking of any marine life while scuba diving; the taking of any coral, sponges,
sea fans or other marine specimens; the use of a spear gun or seine net; fishing with gill
nets or poison; dumping anything into the water; exporting any form of marine life. The
Department of Environment and Protection administers parks and enforces existing
regulations. Marine law also limits the amount of catch. Lobster can be caught only
during the open season with a size and catch limit imposed. Similar controls are applied
for conch catches and grouper are protected during the winter spawning season. The
penalties for violation of these rules are severe, and include both financial penalties and
time in jail e.g. the penalty for vessels illegally dumping waste is US$625,000.
Cuba
There is a National Program for the Environment and Sustainability and the Ministry of
Science, Technology and Environment is the central agency in charge of proposing and
directing environmental policies. Resolutions have been prepared for the management of
coastal zones and a national System of Protected Areas. A National Program for the
Integrated Management of the Coastal Area was prepared in 1999 with general guidelines
for integrated Management Plans of the Coastal Area, development of the local and
national ability to manage and protect coastal and marine resources and the promotion of
an integrated management approach.
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