Fisheries protection measures are only effective if they are
successfully implemented, which requires support from local
communities who are most affected. If tourism increases on Andros
Island, protective measures that are already direly needed will only
become progressively more important. Sustainable tourism practices
can provide an opportunity for additional sources of income
that move residents away from the poverty trap as well as offer
additional incentive to harvest sustainably. Acquiring local support
for acceptance as well as implementation of protective measures
can eliminate the “paper park” phenomenon where protective
measures exist but are ignored. Developing island nations in the
Caribbean are challenged to balance ecological and economic sustainability.
Our study indicates that perceptions about tourism
impacting the environment and quality of life are potential drivers
of support, and highlights the potential value of educational
outreach efforts to raise awareness of the causes and consequences
of overharvesting. Sustainable tourism development on Andros
Island has the potential to promote economic stability for residents and conservation of fisheries resources.