The populations of some marine bird species in the region are alarmingly low. If we want our children and grandchildren to be able to enjoy the marine environment surrounding our beautiful islands in the future, we need to make some important changes now. Scientists worldwide have emphasized the need for fully protected marine areas, to aid in the re-establishment and recovery of depleted marine species. They can also help create and maintain sustainable fisheries. One example that recently came to international attention is from the waters around Cape Canaveral in Florida, which have been off limits to fishermen for a number of years for security reasons.
New research shows that the closure has been a bonanza for anglers in nearby areas.
Fish are growing more abundant, more diverse and larger-so big that sport fishermen working the waters around the zone are catching a record number of trophy fish. Much attention has been paid, deservedly, to the plight of wild salmon stocks in our region. Providing these fish with protected places to grow to maturity and reproduce is essential if they are to survive. Humans have caused a great deal of damage to the oceans of the world and the San Juan Archipelago are no exception to this decline in health and biodiversity. But fortunately, along with the ability to cause harm, we have the ability to heal.