New Policies Please Hunters and the Reserves

An agreement with hunting association leaders was reached that promotes managed hunting in a popular research reserve and protects reserve resources. Approximately 176 acres of salt flats, mangrove channels, and salty lagoons in the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve are now designated for waterfowl hunting. The area is clearly designated with signs before the hunting season; all state and federal laws and reserve policies are enforced, and all hunters must come to the reserve’s visitor center to obtain a copy of reserve regulations and get a hunting pass.

In the past, the waterfowl season between November and February represented a difficult time for the reserve, as illegal hunting plagued the site, resulting in trash and lead ammunition in the protected area and a lack of control in managing the hunted species. Thanks to the new policies, this issue is under control. In fact, many hunters and their families are now volunteering at the reserve to help maintain the trails. (2016)

Partners: Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, NOAA Office for Coastal Management