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An important aspect of Park Management is ensuring that stakeholders and visitors are abiding by established environmental laws and regulations. While the majority of people are aware of and abide by these guidelines, there will always be parties who are not. Enter the Marine Park Ranger.
Montego Bay Marine Park Rangers represent the front-line of the Trust's work and face a demanding task. Their duties are carried out on the water, under the water and throughout the community. To become a Ranger, candidates must first pass through an extensive training programme and gain critical certifications, including Life Guard Certification, Coxwain Licensing, and SCUBA certification. While each Ranger has his or her own personal strengths, our Rangers are regularly called upon for Search and Rescue missions, visitor education and enforcement of Park Regulations.
In the event you need to contact the Marine Park to report an environmental emergency or infraction, please call us directly on our hotline:
MARINE PARK HOTLINE - (876) 952-5619
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Following these simple guidelines won't water down your fun.
To assist our visitors, we have compiled a short list of recommendations that will help to keep you within the bounds of the laws, while helping us in our management efforts.
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Fish Santuaries are specific zones in the Montego Bay Marine Park which are afforded special protection under the Fishing Industry Act.
Currently, Montego Bay has two gazetted (signed into law) sanctuaries. These include: the Bogue Lagoon Fish Sanctuary (1972); and the recently established Montego Bay Marine Park Fish Sanctuary (2009).
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The Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act - Marine Park Regulations
The Marine Park Regulations are designed to protect Jamaica's Marine Parks from various forms of pollution and environmental degradation. This act specifies all categories of regulation and lays out penalties for offenses. The Marine Park Regulations can be downloaded here, while the entire NRCA Act can be found here. A summary of the Regulations follows.
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THE FISHING INDUSTRY ACT
 The Fishing Industry Act (1975), is geared towards the protection and conservation of marine resources in Jamaica, and is administered by the Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Fishing Industry act stipulates that all fishers engaged in fishing in Jamaican waters should be registered and hold a valid Fisher’s I.D. All fishing boats should be registered, with the registration number displayed on the front of the boat. Tourists and locals that temporarily fish are required to apply for a temporary fishing license.
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