Sustainable marine management in St Kitts and Nevis

Over the past decade, the near-shore reef around St Kitts and Nevis has seen a drastic loss of coral coverage, fish numbers and spiking macroalgal growth. The degraded reef not only has devastating effects on the biodiversity and wildlife, but it also poses a serious threat for the livelihoods of different fishing communities and economic sectors of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Beyond the SKN nearshore zone, the offshore waters around Saint Kitts and Nevis cover 20,400 sqkm with a shelf area of 845 sqkm. At the moment, these waters are under no protection legislation.

Working with local NGO Blue Conscience, Blue Marine has two major conservation goals in St Kitts and Nevis:

• Supporting the government with protection of their offshore waters to meet Caribbean Advancing 30×30 targets through protection of 30% of St Kitts and Nevis exclusive economic zone.
• Supporting the designation of the St Kitts and Nevis Marine Managed Area to protect 417km2 nearshore waters.

The Blue Marine team conducted an initial scoping visit to St Kitts and Nevis and have been supporting Blue Conscience since 2024. We have had positive initial meeting with local community and government stakeholders regarding strategic actions and will be further developing the project through 2025.