Yamara, fighting for conservation

About 60 percent of the Caribbean’s living coral has been lost over the past 30 years, and today three-fourths of the coral reefs are either degraded or threatened. These underwater structures are the homes, and nurseries, for a variety of sea life. Their loss contributes to economic decline for communities that depend on the income that fishing brings.

USAID is working with countries throughout the Caribbean to conserve marine and coastal biodiversity, and to restore livelihoods for the people who call the region home. This project addresses harmful fishing practices with new techniques. USAID also supports coral nurseries so reefs can be restored and fish can repopulate the waterways.

The Agency and its partners are encouraging community-led ecotourism to share the region’s natural wonders with visitors. As many as 3,000 fishers rely on Samaná Bay for their livelihoods. USAID’s assistance is helping rehabilitate an important resource for this community – and beyond.