East Portland Fish Sanctuary is located on the north eastern tip of Jamaica and features an ecologically sensitive coral reef, mangrove and seagrass habitat. Healthy coral populations are observed here, including the elkhorn coral listed as critically endangered under the IUCN Red List, and populations of black coral as well. The area's beaches facilitate nesting of endangered hawksbill and loggerhead sea turtles, and the West Indian manatee is known to live in the surrounding waters. Like many of the ocean's reefs, East Portland's coral reefs have experienced bleaching caused by rising water temperatures. But there is good news. The area has been officially established as a Marine Protected Area in 2016, spanning 330 meters deep of coral reefs, offering hope for not only Jamaica's reefs but the reef systems around the entire world.
