Abstract

In 2010, the National Marine Park of the Bay Islands was created with an area of 16,000 hectares. This park has extensive live corals coverage: a natural breeding area for a great variety of marine organisms. It is an evidence for local fishermen, that there is a need in this park to create, define and delimit areas which are essential for the protection and the conservation of fisheries resources. Artisanal fishermen of Guanaja and Punta Gorda face different challenges in their livelihood, consequently they have expressed interest in learning about the functioning of the Cuban Casitas (lobster shadows), which are artificial shelters that enable sustainable fishing of spiny lobster and the improvement of their econo-my. According to research already conducted in the region of the Mesoamerican Reef, this artificial shelter initiative should consider three factors -biological, ecological and social- before its application. This knowledge will ensure the success or failure of the project. The fishermen of Punta Gorda and Guanaja communities consider that the first step is to be legally registered into an association of Artisanal Fishermen, in order to participate in the management and get better benefits of productive projects. Another important factor that fishermen consider essential is the declaration of a pilot area as an exclusive fishing area, managed by members of Fishermen's Associations. Besides, they recognize the importance of establishing criteria to make an equitable distribution of benefits within the association, developing regulations and marketing the product under the guidance of responsible seafood consumption.

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