Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Pearnel Charles Jr. says he believes the government should be providing financial aid to all 18 fish sanctuaries, in the country.

The minister made the announcement, while speaking at the recent closing ceremony for a reef restoration project at the Oracabessa Fish Sanctuary in St. Mary.

The project was sponsored by the United States Department of State.

Mr. Charles Jr. said given the importance of the work carried out by the fish sanctuaries, the government should be supporting all 18 and not just 10.

In the meantime, he said focus has been placed on mitigating the decline in marine resources, and increasing the number of fish sanctuaries.