Empower Jamaican Fishermen to Restore Marine-Life

White River Fish Sanctuary - Mid-Year Report: 2026

By Jonathan Hernould | White River Fish Sanctuary Manager

This report covers WRFS activities from January through June 2026. During the first half of the year, WRFS advanced work across its Protect, Restore, and Engage pillars through enforcement activity, rebuilt coral nurseries, expanded fisheries-support infrastructure, youth water-safety programmes, and continued Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.

Enforcement and Patrol Coverage

In January, information provided by local fishermen helped identify a habitual Sanctuary violator. The patrol drone was deployed, and the individual was observed and apprehended.

February patrol activity was reduced by persistent cold-front conditions that limited safe days at sea. In March, staff numbers fell to four wardens, reducing daily coverage from 16 hours to 12.

On March 26, a spearfisherman intercepted inside the Sanctuary refused to comply and escaped before he could be detained. By April-May, two wardens had been added, restoring the team to six wardens and 16 hours of daily coverage. During the same period, the team seized one fish pot containing 10 lb of illegally caught fish.

Throughout June, the six-member team maintained 16 hours of daily coverage. Sergeant Lewis assumed the operational duties of Protection Officer Mr. Byfield while he remained on leave, and no major enforcement incidents were recorded.

Coral Restoration and Climate Preparedness

January monitoring showed strong coral survival and growth at Mammee Bay, with sea moss reinstallation planned for February. In February, the Mammee Bay microfragmentation frame was re-established and returned to use, while the Prospect nursery reached seven coral trees. By March, all coral nurseries had been rebuilt and restocked. The Prospect nursery had expanded to 10 coral trees, and the Mammee Bay frame was fully loaded and expected to begin producing within approximately two months.

Staff capacity also grew. Team member Lions completed scuba certification and took on the role of coral gardener. WRFS also completed a one-week Caribbean Biodiversity Fund training programme focused on establishing post-hurricane coral-recovery relief brigades, strengthening the team's ability to assess coral damage and support recovery after major storms.

By June, coral outplanting was under way at Mammee Bay and within the Sanctuary. Shade covers were installed over the nurseries to protect corals from heat and intense sunlight, and preparations began for July biomass surveys to track fish populations and assess Sanctuary performance.

 Fisheries Support and Community Infrastructure

NCTFJ funding for cold storage was received in January. The facility was installed in February and formally launched on March 19, giving members of the White River Fishermen's Association free access to cold storage. The fishermen's cleaning station was rebuilt by the end of March. To support safe and effective use of the new infrastructure, 28 fishermen completed food-handling permit training through WRFA.

Jamaica Conservation Partners issued the grant agreement for the River Watchers and waste-separation programme, with Blunty identified to transition into a programme role. Six pilot plastic-only bins were deployed in February. By March, 42 bins had been delivered and 12 business owners had joined the programme, demonstrating strong early participation from local businesses.

Youth Education and Participation

School outreach resumed in January, reaching more than 80 participants. The Sanctuary also hosted Prospect College and successfully completed Swim for the Sanctuary. A pilot Swim Camp held on February 20-21 reached 16 children and generated strong interest among students, parents, and residents. A second Swim Camp in June welcomed 15 new participants.

The Shaw OpCo-sponsored school competition was completed during April-May, and the winners were scheduled to be recognized during a Sanctuary field trip on May 30.

 Hurricane Melissa Continued Recovery

With grant funding from GlobalGiving, WRFS has worked closely with Jamaica's fish sanctuaries most heavily affected by Hurricane Melissa. Two priority projects have been identified and initiated to help Bluefields Bay Fish Sanctuary rebuild facilities destroyed by the hurricane.

 Looking Forward

The first half of 2026 has strengthened our sense of momentum and purpose. With patrol coverage restored, coral outplanting under way, support for local fisheries and waste management expanding, and youth participation growing, WRFS is well prepared to build on this progress through the remainder of the year while continuing to support sanctuary partners recovering from Hurricane Melissa.

Links:

• First Catch for the Cold Storage Unit
• Tour of the Coral Nursery