Cayo Coco to be Protected Area

[SandyBeach]

Do you think this will impact the fishing in Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo at all :-/



Cayo Coco Tourist Center to Become Protected Area

Ciego de Avila, December 30 (AIN)-Scientific monitoring and coastal integrated management in the central region of the Cayo Coco ecological reserve have provided a high level of preservation in Cuba's northern ecosystem.

The area, which is located off the coast of the central province of Ciego de Avila, is part the Sabana Camaguey Archipelago Biodiversity Conservation Project which is supported by the United Nations Development Fund, UNDP.

Among the tasks completed over the last four years in the area is research on land and marine flora and fauna, as well as on soil, water and beaches.

Other outstanding work has been done by forest rangers who implemented projects encompassing reforestation, environmental education and expanding knowledge of the ecological reserve.

Cayo Coco is being considered for protected status because of its regional significance, including its mangroves, coral reefs and marine life.

The area boasts a rich and varied fauna with over 170 species and the Loma del Puerto dunes, the country's second highest measuring between 10 to 14 meters.

http://www.radiohc.cu/homeing.htm

[DavidB]

Kubanita,

I am so glad that you found this. This does mean that something official is happening. In November 2003 I was in Cayo Coco and witnessed a massive net trapping operation that was literally taking 1000's of bonefish and other species daily. We were assured that the fish were being processed into "fish meal" and made into patties that were going to the people to help provide them with protein.

I could not sit by and watch a place I had fallen in love with be treated this way even though I knew that I couldn't blame them for using a resource to feed the people when protein is scarce. Plus Cayo Coco was always touted as an "Environmentally Friendly" island, etc. There was also a growing sport fishing business that was starting to bring in a resonable number of anglers who were coming for the fishing. The econonmics of the sport fishing would far offset the commercial fishery.

I wrote a few letters to key individuals, we met with a couple of government officials, and pressure was put on by other people as well and we didn't hear anything about what was going to happen until June of 2004. Then we were told that the indiscrimanent trap netting was going to be banned in Jan 2005. I was very hopeful!

So along came your note on this board yesterday and I was very happy. I know that the letters we wrote and the people we talked to played only a small part in eventually helping preserve an amazing part of the world but I would like to let anyone out there know that no matter how insignificant you think your action may be doing something about it may make a difference.

David

[SandyBeach]

DavidB ... so glad to hear there are people doing everything they can to look after nature [smiley=2thumbsup.gif]

... it really is fantastic to see you made a difference ... even when you did not know it :D

[jackd]

Kubanita, where did you find that quote ???, oh I know

Cayo Coco Tourist Center to Become Protected Area

Ciego de Avila, December 30 (AIN)-Scientific monitoring and coastal integrated management in the central region of the Cayo Coco ecological reserve have provided a high level of preservation in Cuba's northern ecosystem.

The area, which is located off the coast of the central province of Ciego de Avila, is part the Sabana Camaguey Archipelago Biodiversity Conservation Project which is supported by the United Nations Development Fund, UNDP.

Among the tasks completed over the last four years in the area is research on land and marine flora and fauna, as well as on soil, water and beaches.

Other outstanding work has been done by forest rangers who implemented projects encompassing reforestation, environmental education and expanding knowledge of the ecological reserve.

Cayo Coco is being considered for protected status because of its regional significance, including its mangroves, coral reefs and marine life.

The area boasts a rich and varied fauna with over 170 species and the Loma del Puerto dunes, the country's second highest measuring between 10 to 14 meters.

http://www.radiohc.cu/homeing.htm

[SandyBeach]

Kubanita, where did you find that quote ???, oh I know



is this another weird wanker day jackd ::)