Celebrating Our First Cohort of Community Patrols in Marine Conservation

On Saturday March 22nd, we proudly recognized the first graduating group of our Community Patrols Program! These 10 dedicated individuals, business owners, educators, activists, and even students, have stepped up as environmental stewards, to actively protecting our natural resources and inspiring action in their own communities all across the island.

After completing 20 hours of training, each participant received a certificate officially certifying them as an extension of the Roatan Marine Park team. Their journey doesn’t end here, we will continue building their capacity in conservation to provide support, mentorship, and new opportunities to strengthen their role in local conservation and community work.

As part of their graduation, they also received official ID carnets, a patrol kit including a rash guard and hat as their uniform, a printed manual of protected area regulations, a whistle, gloves for group beach cleanups, and a red-light flashlight. This special flashlight is crucial for night patrols, allowing them to observe marine life, especially nesting sea turtles, without disturbing them. By addressing light pollution and human interference in nesting areas was one of the top reasons this project was created, and we are proud to see them ready to take action.

Now, we’re looking for our next cohort! If you want to be an advocate in conservation right where you are, reach out to us at info@roatanmarinepark.org and become part of the next wave of Community Patrols.

Every small action adds up, and together, we can make a lasting difference in protecting the Bay Islands National Marine Protected Area, the place we all call home.

Community Patrols in Marine Conservation