From the early 20th century, Jamaica’s waters supported thriving fish populations that local communities relied upon for both food and income. However, over time, due to unsustainable fishing practices and the impact of climate change, the Jamaican Coastline witnessed a drastic depletion of fish stocks, leaving Jamaican waters among the most overfished in the world. The degradation of coral reefs, which serve as critical fish breeding and shelter areas, further exacerbated the issue, leading to a decline in reef biodiversity. Aware of these environmental and economic challenges, the GoldenEye Foundation, together with the Oracabessa Bay Fishers Association, established the Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary in 2010 as a no-fishing zone to preserve and rehabilitate the local ecosystem.
Recognizing the need for sustainable employment alternatives for local fishers, the foundation launched a unique initiative in which fishers could transition into coral gardeners. The foundation trains these former fishers, now certified as scuba divers, in coral propagation techniques, equipping them with new skills and restoring an underwater ecosystem that sustains marine life and local fishing communities.
Oracabessa Bay Dive Center, established in 2019, which is the only one operated by a nonprofit in Jamaica, generates funds that support marine conservation initiatives and has further expanded its impact by offering dive certifications to local fishers, creating a sustainable employment avenue that directly contributes to marine restoration while maintaining a critical link between community well-being and environmental health.
Coral gardening, or coral cultivation aimed at regenerating degraded reefs, is a process that is central to the mission of the organization, where coral fragments are grown in underwater nurseries on specially designed “coral trees” and receive attentive care to help them flourish. The coral gardeners regularly clean and maintain the coral to prevent algae overgrowth. After a growth period of approximately nine months, they relocate the coral from these nurseries to the reef, where they continue to grow and support marine biodiversity.
The results of this program have been remarkable, with the bay seeing a 1,800 percent increase in fish biomass since the sanctuary’s establishment, reflecting the aggregate number and weight of fish in a given area. The foundation plans to continue its work by planting 100,000 new coral pieces across the Oracabessa Bay reefs by 2030. This increase in coral has rejuvenated local fish populations, providing a critical resource for communities reliant on fish for nutrition and economic stability.
Community involvement, which has generated widespread local support and pride in the restoration efforts, is the key to the success of the GoldenEye Foundation’s conservation work. Community members are now directly involved in safeguarding their coastal environment, fostering a sense of stewardship over Jamaica’s natural resources. This partnership model has inspired a shift in local attitudes toward conservation, making environmental preservation a shared mission across the community.
GoldenEye resort guests also play a role in the foundation’s efforts, albeit indirectly, as tourists who visit the resort’s “Snorkelers’ Cove” pass by coral nursery sites, and those who use the dive center help support the foundation’s initiatives. The resort offers a unique blend of luxury and eco-tourism, giving visitors an opportunity to contribute to marine conservation simply by enjoying activities like snorkeling and diving.
GoldenEye offers seasonal experiences, such as watching the release of baby sea turtles into the sanctuary, in addition to its coral gardening program. This event showcases the foundation’s broader environmental preservation work and invites visitors to experience the delicate lifecycle of these marine creatures while raising awareness of Jamaica’s conservation needs.
The Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary is just one of 18 similar fish sanctuaries across Jamaica; its exceptional success is attributed to the GoldenEye Foundation’s community-centered approach, where the active involvement of local fishers and their employment in coral reef restoration have generated significant community support for its conservation initiatives, which has proven instrumental in their effectiveness. This model of community engagement not only helps restore fish stocks but also strengthens the local economy by providing alternative livelihoods.
GoldenEye Resort’s model blends luxury hospitality with a commitment to environmental conservation, underscoring the idea that eco-tourism can support both the environment and local communities. In addition to world-class accommodations, including private villas, beach huts, and cottages, GoldenEye offers guests the opportunity to learn about and contribute to Jamaica’s marine preservation efforts. This approach shows that we can use tourism to enhance natural ecosystems and the surrounding communities, instead of exploiting them.
By combining conservation with eco-tourism and community involvement, the GoldenEye Foundation has created a sustainable model for preserving Jamaica’s marine life. As local reefs and fish populations continue to recover, the foundation’s efforts offer a hopeful example of how targeted conservation work, community engagement, and responsible tourism can have a lasting, positive impact on both nature and people.
