Hillsborough, June 29th, 2009- The Grenada Government is consulting with the people of Carriacou & Petite Martinique in a practical demonstration that it is serious about its marine environmental protection policies. The consultation, which will commence on July 20th in the North East Zone, follows a recent government declaration that the Sandy Island/Oyster Bed is a marine protected area. The public discussion series, organized by the Fisheries Division in collaboration with the Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs, is aimed at informing residents of Carriacou & Petite Martinique about what a marine protected area means, and the potential benefits it will bring to islands. The 787 hectares park contains extensive reef systems with many types of coral, mangroves and sea grass beds. Endangered species in the park include the hawks-bill turtle and the green sea turtle. Sandy Island, with its postcard quality scenery and white sandy beach surrounded by turquoise waters, is a cultural landmark for the people of Carriacou. It’s also an important tourism destination. The consultation is continuing with meetings scheduled for the North West Zone on July 21, Central on July 22 and the South Zone on July 23. The consultation series will end in Petite Martinique on Saturday, July 25. All sessions begin at 6pm. From Deanna Isaac