During a press briefing at the Montego Bay Marine Park office at Pier One yesterday, executive director of the TEF, Ian Neita, said $4 million has already been disbursed for the first phase of what is informally called the Marine Mania project, which is also aimed at educating the public about the importance of preserving the environment and providing alternative means of income for fishermen who fish in the marine park.

Repairing boats

The money would go towards placing restriction signs throughout the area and repairing boats so more patrolling can be done.

"So far, we've disbursed just under $4 million and we're very pleased with the development that has taken part so far and it's partly because of the partnerships they've been able to develop. The reason for the success so far is because they've brought the fishermen on board and almost got the fishermen to volunteer and give up their trade, which is a very difficult thing to do in this sort of environment," Neita said.

"There are still some renegades who are setting fish pots and they are being vigilant in policing this because, at the end of the day, if we don't get the cooperation of the police, the fishermen and the marine park, this project is not going to be successful. From a tourism enhancement standpoint, we see this as an enhancement to a product, which we are delivering to our locals and our visitors."

He said that though the TEF does not usually offer operational support, they have made an exception in this case as the success of the project in Montego Bay can set a trend for the project to be replicated in other parishes.

"We see this as a pilot project, a template because if it works here, it can work in other parts of the island. There is Discovery Bay, Ocho Rios and other places that we want to replicate this project so this is a very good first start."