Coral Projects is a non-profit endeavor and is made possible with the support of organizations, individuals and companies who provide funding and sponsorship. Coral Projects is fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)3, making your donations tax deductible. Email info at coralprojects.com to support us! 

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A fish sanctuary is often a coastal area for fish to grow and multiply without being caught, but can also be in the deeper waters. Fish sanctuaries are often established near the shore in the shallow waters of the ocean because this is where most coral reefs are. Coral reefs are where many baby fish are born and grow. This is important because a sanctuary gives the fish a chance to mature and create many new generations. As the fish become larger, they swim into the deeper waters beyond the sanctuary, where the fishermen are allowed to catch them. This protected sanctuary area ensures that young fish can grow without being caught before they multiply.

This sanctuary area is key for fish population recovery and for corals to flourish. When there are not enough fish on a coral reef, the ratio of algae increases compared to corals. The presence of algae prevents the growth of corals. The fish and sea creatures, such as Parrotfish, Angelfish, Tangs and Sea Urchins, eat the algae off of the corals. When the algae are removed the corals can multiple and grow! In Jamaica, Parrotfish and other tropical fish populations have been diminishing and depleted due to overfishing. Also, a disease wiped out the sea urchin population in the 1980’s.

Coral Projects chose OBFS as our first partner sanctuary site because they have proven success at raising biomass and coral populations while also making sure fishermen who once fished the sanctuary waters agree with the effort, providing employment when possible. The fishermen are also partners in the Marine Trust that supports the sanctuary.

Coral Projects is pleased to amplify the reach of the good work underway at OBFS by bringing international attention to the sanctuary through the first underwater Land Art exhibition. Help us spread the word by supporting Coral Projects!