Part 4/13:

Conservation measures rely heavily on local communities where marine protected areas (MPAs) are established. Trained sanctuary guards and sea patrols monitor illegal activities such as dynamite fishing and overharvesting protected species. Community members like fisherman Franco Gonzalez have voiced concerns about restrictions, yet many recognize the collective benefits of safeguarding their resources. In some instances, local communities have actively opposed harmful infrastructure development, like seawalls, especially in nesting grounds critical for sea turtles.