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The Bay Islands of Honduras, a necklace of small keys that hug the country's northern shore, are surrounded by thriving coral reefs. Thanks to this natural blessing, the islands are one of the Caribbean's hottest destinations for scuba divers. About 30,000 visitors arrive annually; tourism is now the second leading source of income for the 25,000 Bay Islanders. While tourism is growing rapidly, most residents still earn their living from fishing.
Fishing and tourism depend on a healthy Bay Island environment, and there's cause for worry. "The government basically welcomes as many tourists that want to come here," complains Irma Brady of the Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA). "They don't want to hear about the negative aspects of tourism. We're losing a lot of forest cover to tourism, commercial and housing development."
Clearing forest for hotels and condominiums means an increase in erosion. Each tropical downpour washes soil directly into the ocean, smothering coral colonies and thus threatening the island's tourism and fishing industries. The lobster, shrimp and crab that are mainly sold for export to the United States and Europe feed on coral reefs.
With help from the tourism industry, BICA is fighting for the Bay Islands' future. A local dive operator led a drive to establish a marine reserve off the coast of Roatan, the most developed of the islands. Managed by BICA and funded by hotels and dive shops, the 11-mile-long reserve is off-limits to commercial fishing. Julio Galindo, whose family owns Anthony's Key dive resort, reports that the ban seems to be gaining support. Anthony's Key covers 50 percent of the reserve's budget.
BICA also helps protect a 1,235-acre wildlife refuge that is the principal watershed for Roatan. Brady and other BICA volunteers hope to establish a trail system that would draw tourists, whose entrance fees would help pay for park protection.
Contacts: In Honduras, BICA, Cooper Bldg., Calle Principal, Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, 504/45-1424; Julio Galindo, Anthony's Key Resort, 504/45-1327 (or 800/227-3483 in the U.S.).
Eco Travels in Honduras
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