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The Bay Islands National Marine Park (BINMP) was declared a Marine Protected Area for its ecological and natural importance on June 10th 2010. It incorporates the municipalities of Utila, Roatan, Santos Guardiola and Guanaja, known as the Bay Islands, encompassing a total of 647,153 ha. It includes marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass, wetlands and beaches. It is the largest marine protected area in Honduras!
IMPORTANCE
The BINMP habitats are the basis of tourism and fishing economy to its communities, therefore its main objective is the conservation of the biodiversity of its terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Additionally, the BINMP, is part of the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR), the second-largest barrier reef in the world, shared by four countries: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Its biodiversity contributes economically to the livelihood and social wellbeing of all of those that live and visit this region.
Zones
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Coastal Zone (HTL*- 10m)
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Special Marine Zone (HTL- 60m depth)
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Buffer Zone (12 nautical mile- SMZ)
*HTL: High Tide Line
Important species by zone
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Coastal Zone: Mangrove and associated species such as birds.
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Special Marine Zone: Corals, fish, crustaceans, sponges and other associated species.
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Buffer Zone: Sharks, marine mammals, and pelagic fish.
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