Roatan is sheltered by the second largest living coral reef in the world; it’s called the Mesoamerican Reef System. Here on the island, protection of this international treasure is entrusted to the Roatan Marine Park.
Christi Etches:
The Mesoamerican Reef System starts from Quintana Roo in Mexico, and it comes all the way down past Belize, past the little nook of Guatemala and onto the northern coast of Honduras. It’s the second largest barrier reef in the world.
Narrator:
The reef covers more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline and is home to endangered marine turtles, more than 500 fish species and over 60 different types of coral.
Alvin Jackson:
Every single square inch of that reef has something going on. Everything there is alive. Not just little creatures like crabs and shrimp and lobster, but that piece of coral is …show more content…
Stop by the Marine Park office in West End to pick up a few souvenirs for your friends back home. And don’t go in the water without first buying a Marine Park bracelet.
Michele Akel:
The bracelets are very important and come from the Marine Park. Without them, I think the Marine Park would probably have to close. It would be lovely if every tourist that came here, even if they aren’t divers, even if they are just snorkelers, could buy a $10 bracelet, it would help out with protecting what we have here.
Christie Etches:
The Marine Park works as an NGO; we work mostly with our user fees. That money goes directly into our programs. But, that’s the financial way you can help. The environmentally friendly way you can help is just smart. Don’t touch the reef when you go diving, don’t stand on the reef when you’re going snorkeling. If you see anything that’s pretty, take a picture and don’t take it home. Just be smart when you’re out there.
Announcer:
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