Hillsborough, Carriacou - With the Sandy Island/ Oyster Bed Marine Protected Area (MPA) carded to be launched on July 31st, 2010, officials of the Fisheries Division have embarked on an education campaign across Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The programme, which is being taken to schools, will sensitize residents and make them fully aware of what the MPA is all about. The campaign is being led by Roland Baldeo, MPA Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture; Fisheries Officer Junior McDonald; and Chairman of the Sandy Island/Oyster Bed Management Team, Luther Rennie. Mr. Baldeo told students of the Harvey Vale Government School that it’s important that every sector on the island is made aware of the importance and benefits the MPA would bring to the economy of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. He encouraged the students to spread the positive word of the MPA to their parents and peers. The July 31st launch of the marine protected area will coincide with the annual Regatta Festival. It is hoped that the expected increase in visitors to the island can help boost public interest and awareness of the MPA. The project has the support of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Studies have indicated that there are huge potential for generating income from the MPA when it is fully implemented. It is anticipated that within one year of its establishment, user fees collected from the MPA would be able to cover the expenses of running it. By Deanna Isaac Carriacou