Ocean and coastal states around the world are increasingly seeking to better utilize and benefit from their ocean environments, which can be vast in comparison to their land areas. Conflicting human uses, a changing climate, and a desire to ensure long-term sustainability compound the challenge to grow a robust “blue economy.” Consequently, countries are turning to marine spatial planning as a comprehensive management tool to assess and organize present uses of their ocean environments and map for future uses.

This document was prepared by the Environmental Law Institute in partnership with Rare. The legal reports for Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico – the four countries of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (MAR) – cover aspects of fisheries and marine management laws that set out the framework for protecting the sustainability of small-scale fisheries, marine ecosystems, and the livelihoods of the fisherfolk who depend upon them.

This document was prepared by the Environmental Law Institute in partnership with Rare. The report provides information regarding the structure and function of the Honduras government and the institutional and legal framework for the governance of small-scale fisheries and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Specifically, this report summarizes main actors and the legal framework for artisanal/small-scale fisheries and for management of fish resources in protected areas.

This document was prepared by the Environmental Law Institute in partnership with Rare. The report provides information regarding the structure and function of the Guatemalan government, and the institutional legal framework of the governance of small-scale fisheries and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Specifically, this report summarizes main actors and the legal framework for artisanal/small-scale fisheries, and for management of fisheries resources and marine protected areas.

This document was prepared by the Environmental Law Institute in partnership with Rare. The report describes the legal framework for regulation of small-scale fisheries and Marine Protected Area (MPA) management in and adjacent to the coastal waters of Belize. The report also describes the structure and function of the government of Belize. 

This document was prepared by the Environmental Law Institute in partnership with Rare. The report provides information regarding the structure and function of the Mexican government, as well as the institutional legal framework for the governance of small-scale fisheries and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Specifically, this report summarizes main actors and the legal framework for artisanal/small-scale fisheries, and for management of fish resources in protected areas.

Well-designed state and local laws can protect marine resources that are essential for the economic and environmental health of coastal areas. To understand these state and local laws, we examined the key legal tools for protecting marine areas in the twenty-three U.S. coastal states.