Conservation Zone

The Conservation Zone is the second largest zone, comprising about 7,077 ha or 20.2% of the southern portion of the atoll. Presently, under the current reserve regulations, residents of Glover's Reef can obtain special licenses for subsistence fishing within the Conservation Zone. As this is in contradiction with the objectives of the Conservation Zone, and is causing conflict with traditional fishermen excluded from fishing in this zone, a revision of Marine Reserve regulations will not permit this activity in the future. This is in an effort, by the Ecosystems Management Unit of the Fisheries Department, to seek to standarize regulations across all marine reserves.

Objectives

To protect a representative cross section of the atoll's habitats, including windward and leeward peripheral reefs, the atoll lagoon with its patch reefs, and sea grass beds.
To protect at least some of the cuts or passes in the reef, as these are considered ecologically very important in terms of water flow and exchange, for movement of larvae, for species with feeding migrations, and species such as lobsters which migrate back and forth between the lagoon and deeper water for spawning purposes.
To provide an undisturbed area for recruitment of species to adjacent areas, and to protect nursery and spawning areas such as the spawning banks east of Long Caye and Middle Caye.
To provide an area for recreational diving, sport fishing, boating, and appreciation of the marine environment.
To provide a relatively undisturbed area with representative natural ecosystems that can be used for applied research.

Use and Entry

No extractive uses are allowed, with the exception of subsistence fishing by registered residents of the atoll (under review), and catch-and-release sport fishing by licensed fishermen.
Spear fishing is not permitted by the subsistence fishers.
Anchors cannot be deployed in areas where moorings are provided.
Divers must register with the Reserve Manager.
Dive boats must obtain a license to operate in the zone.