Jamaica continues to put measures in place to protect the island’s coastal and marine life, which are critical to a large segment of the population and to a sustainable tourism industry.

This, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith.

Speaking at a recent high-level panel for a sustainable ocean economy, Mrs Johnson-Smith noted that Jamaica remains committed to implementing policies to protect coastal and marine environments.

These include banning single use plastics and preventing the improper release of ballast water from vessels.

Mrs Johnson-Smith added that for the coastal and marine tourism sectors to continue to be viable amidst environmental challenges, they must become sustainable, re-generative and resilient.