The Montego Bay Marine Park traces its roots back to the 1970's, when divers began to notice that the health of surrounding reefs were declining and fishermen were not catching the same quantity and quality of fish as they had in previous years. Preliminary studies indicated that coastline development, water pollution and over fishing were the causes of this decline and that immediate intervention was required to stem this degradation.

In 1983, the international dive press drew attention to the apparent lack of concern for Jamaica's reefs. This prompted local divers to begin lobbying the Ministry of Tourism for the implementation of the marine park.

In September 1996, the Natural Resources and Conservation Authority (NRCA) delegated management for the Park to the Montego Bay Marine Park Trust under an innovative co-management policy adopted for Jamaica's 5 National Parks and Protected Area system.

With delegation, the Montego Bay Marine Park Trust made the commitment to implement sound management programmes. As funding under the USAID pilot project ended, the Government of Jamaica promised its full support- but could only give limited financial assistance.

Since that time, the Montego Bay Marine Park Trust has embarked on multiple fund-raising programmes to help support and increase the effectiveness of its park management work, which it continues to this day.

A Brief Timeline