OUR PLANET
The core focus of our Planet Program is marine conservation. Our initiatives aim to preserve the biodiversity of Oracabessa Bay as a Marine Protected Area, for the benefit of marine life, our local fishermen and the wider Oracabessa community.
PLANET PROJECTS
FISH SANCTUARY
In 2010 we started the Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary, our very own Marine Protected Area. We use a community-based marine conservation model, where we partner with the local Oracabessa Fishers Association on all our marine based projects. Our aim is to increase our local fish population and enhance the health of the reefs within the Oracabessa Bay.
Our Sanctuary Wardens are all local fishermen. They patrol our fish sanctuary and work alongside the community to ensure the area is protected, and our fishermen enjoy a sustainable livelihood.
GOAL: 2020-2025 DEVELOP A MARINE SCIENCES EDUCATION TOUR
CORAL REEF REHABILITATION PROGRAM
We have successfully trained our local fishermen as coral gardeners, who have grown and planted over 18,000 corals onto the reefs within our sanctuary as part of our reef restoration efforts.
GOAL: 2020-2030 REPLANT 80,000 CORALS IN OUR FISH SANCTUARY
SWIM WITH THE TURTLES
Every year, between 12,000 to 20,000 sea turtles nest and are released from the shores of Oracabessa Bay. They travel halfway across the world to return a mere few years later to nest on the shores. While snorkeling in Oracabessa Bay, you may be lucky enough to see and swim with these magnificent creatures. Please remember not to touch or feed them, as they are endangered and must be protected.
For an unforgettable experience, book a turtle release with ‘Mel the Turtle Man’ through the Oracabessa Bay Sea Turtles Program. The GoldenEye Foundation helps create and maintain suitable nesting environments for turtles that choose to nest within the area. Your support helps to create suitable nesting spaces around the property, and provide information on sea turtles to guests, students and Oracabessa residents.
GOAL 2020-2025 BUILD A SOLAR-POWERED SEA TURTLE HATCHERY
ORACABESSA DIVE CENTER
In 2019, we launched Jamaica's first Dive Center to be managed by a non-profit entity.
We are PADI certified, and all profits from our dive services help fund our marine conservation program. Our certified Dive Shop staff are all local fishermen from Oracabessa who have been trained and certified as Dive Masters.
GOAL 2020-2030 – DEVELOP A MARINE SCULPTURE PARK & MARINE SCIENCE EDUCATION TOUR
“The dive shop has been a long time in the making.
To us, it’s more than just raising funds for the fish sanctuaries because it’s the best way for people to actually engage with them.
To get on the water, in the water, see the fish, see the coral that we’re growing and planting, see it firsthand with those that made it happen.
The same people who are working on the coral gardens are the same trained divers that will take you to see it. You can get up close and personal with it with someone who has it close to their heart.”
— Inilek Wilmot, Oracabessa Fish Sanctuary Manager
& Marine Biologist
