Marine habitats sustain critical biodiversity and fish stocks that support the livelihoods of coastal communities across Honduras and the world. Healthy oceans and well managed fisheries ensure continuous benefits for those who depend on them during good times and bad.
These crises brought a heightened recognition that well-managed fish stocks and thriving ecosystems can be an effective way to secure food and income for communities and prevent further migration—a worsening phenomenon in Central America. This understanding of the ocean as a safety net has been promoted among fishers and resulted in increased recognition by the government and greater support for the declaration of new protected areas. Increased demand for protection enables actions that ensure healthy oceans and thriving coastal communities.
Effective ocean protection and fisheries management are complex endeavors that require diverse interventions and strategies. Community-driven action, however, always needs to be a core component. Having communities as stewards of their marine resources, fishing responsibly, and participating in management and surveillance, is essential for effective conservation and management.