The Roatan Institute for Marine Science is surrounded by approximately 13 km of protected area know as the Sandy Bay Marine Reserve. Within this area no spear fishing, trapping or collecting of any kind is allowed.
Nothing is to be taken from the reef.
Only single line fishing is permitted. To discourage touching or grabbing corals divers and snorkelers may not wear gloves within the reserve. Initiative of local dive resorts and the municipality of Roatan support the Reserve. Student groups are invited to participate in the reef-monitoring program. The Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences is dedicated to preserving the natural resources of Roatan.