The reef fish stocks in St. Mary have declined considerably and are now in a critical state. This decrease is noted in both number and size of fish and is largely due to over exploitation. The project seeks to reverse this trend by firstly setting up buoys which will demarcate the area that was established as a sanctuary by law on June 17, 2010 by the government of Jamaica. This will prevent fishing (except the removal of the invasive lion fish) in the protected area. The scope of the project will then be broadened to incorporate other stakeholders who are conducting conservation activities within the sanctuary and its buffer zone. These include preservation of three species of endangered sea turtles (hawksbill, green and loggerhead) and the restoration of coral reefs.

The vision of the Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary is to create and manage a healthy bay that provides for all community members. Their mission is to increase biodiversity in Oracabessa Bay to improve livelihoods in the local community.

The grantee has developed a participatory approach to environmental conservation by incorporating the local community, the Fisherman's Cooperative and other conservation workers in the planning and implementation of project activities.

The project will be implemented under Biodiversity - OP 2