The challenge
In the past decade, the near-shore reef around Saint Kitts and Nevis has seen a drastic loss of coral coverage and fish numbers, alongside spiking macroalgal growth. The degraded reef has devastating effects on biodiversity and wildlife, and threatens livelihoods in the Caribbean nation. The offshore waters of St Kitts and Nevis cover 20,400 sq km with a shelf area of 845 sq km. These are currently under no protection legislation.