Abstract

Coral reefs, often called the "rainforests of the sea," are critical ecosystems providing essential services such as coastal protection, fisheries, and tourism, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Grenada (UNDP, 2021). Despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor, coral reefs support approximately 25% of all marine species, making them among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth (UNDP, 2021). However, these ecosystems face increasing threats from overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are vital tools for mitigating these impacts by regulating human activities and fostering ecosystem resilience (Hoegh-Guldberg et al., 2007). This study examines how varying levels of MPA management influence fish communities in Grenada, focusing on three MPAs: Sandy Island/Oyster Bed MPA (SIOBMPA), Moliniere Beausejour MPA (MBMPA), and Grand Anse MPA (GAMPA). These MPAs represent a spectrum of management effectiveness, ranging from active enforcement at SIOBMPA to limited and no management at MBMPA and GAMPA respectively.

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