Roatán Marine Park
Islas de la Bahía
Roatán Marine Park (RMP) is a grassroots, community-based nonprofit organization founded in 2005 on Roatán Island, Honduras. It was established by local dive operators and businesses concerned about the rapid degradation of coral reefs within the Sandy Bay-West End Marine Reserve. The park focuses on conserving the island's protected marine and coastal areas, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, wetlands, and beaches. It plays a critical role in protecting the Bay Islands National Marine Park, the largest marine protected area in Honduras, declared in 2010 and encompassing over 647,000 hectares. RMP implements various conservation programs such as coral restoration through assisted reproduction, lionfish invasive species control, and community education and outreach. The organization also engages the public through patrols, educational workshops, and citizen science via their mobile app. RMP's efforts contribute significantly to maintaining the ecological health and biodiversity of Roatán’s marine ecosystems while supporting the local community's sustainable development.
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Consejo: The best time to visit Roatán Marine Park is during the dry season (February to August) when marine visibility is optimal for diving and snorkeling. Visitors interested in coral restoration or lionfish workshops should check the official website for schedules and book in advance. Donations and volunteer opportunities are welcomed to support ongoing conservation efforts. Using the RMP iPatrol app allows visitors to contribute to monitoring and protecting the marine environment. Early booking of dive tours through local operators connected with RMP is recommended for a comprehensive experience.
Datos interesantes
- •The Bay Islands National Marine Park, which includes Roatán Marine Park, is the largest marine protected area in Honduras, covering over 647,000 hectares.
- •RMP has established Roatán’s first-ever predictive coral spawning calendar in collaboration with SECORE International.
- •The organization has certified over 747 lionfish hunters to control the invasive lionfish population.
- •RMP has conducted over 1,000 patrols to protect marine ecosystems and has out-planted nearly 700 coral fragments to aid reef recovery.
Historia
Roatán Marine Park was founded in January 2005 by local dive operators and businesses alarmed by the rapid degradation of coral reefs in the Sandy Bay-West End Marine Reserve.
In 2010, the Bay Islands National Marine Park was declared a Marine Protected Area, encompassing Roatán and neighboring islands, making it the largest marine protected area in Honduras.
Since its establishment, RMP has expanded its conservation programs to include coral restoration, invasive species control, and environmental education, adapting to the increasing challenges posed by the island’s development.
Guía del lugar
Coral Restoration Program2017–present
A pioneering initiative involving assisted coral reproduction and out-planting of coral fragments to restore degraded reef areas. This program includes a predictive coral spawning calendar developed with SECORE International.
Lionfish Control WorkshopsOngoing since mid-2010s
Weekly educational and practical spearfishing workshops designed to train divers in the capture and removal of invasive lionfish, which threaten the local marine ecosystem.
Community Patrols and Citizen ScienceSince 2005
Regular patrols conducted by RMP staff and volunteers to monitor reef health, enforce regulations, and collect environmental data using the RMP iPatrol app, which enables visitors to assist in conservation efforts.
Contacto
Teléfono: 9430-3196