The Bay Island National Marine Park (BINMP) was declared a national park in 1997 and a Marine Protected Area on June 10th, 2010; due to its ecological and natural importance. It consists of three islands: Utila, Roatan and Guanaja, as well as smaller islands or cays called: Barbareta, Morat, Santa Elena and more than 60 small cays. The park's surface area is 647,152.49 ha. BINMP is the largest marine protected area of Honduras.
IMPORTANCE
The park's resources are important for tourism and fishing communities in the region. Its main purpose is the conservation of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, for the benefit of its users.The BINMP is part of the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR), the second largest coral reef in the world after Australia's Great Barrier Reef
ZONING
The BINMP is divided into three zones according to their conservation objectives.
Coastal Zone (HTL- 10m)
Special Marine Zone (HTL- 60m depth)
Buffer Zone (12 nautical mile- SMZ)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES ALLOWED AND PROHIBITED IN THE BINMP
Written by : Carolina Rojas, Research Associate