and the surrounding waters were declared a marine reserve in 1994, with the help of the Smithsonian Institution, in order to protect all marine and terrestrial flora and fauna within a . The reserve extends eight kilometers in all directions. Laws prohibit all commercial fishing, netting, and trapping within the marine park. Local Garifuna are permitted to fish with hand lines, but prohibited from netting and spearfishing. In designated areas, there is a lobster diving season for qualified Garifuna fishermen. Since 1994, the Smithsonian Institution, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Honduras Coral Reef Fund, Operation Wallacea and other non-profit organizations have helped preserve the natural beauty of the area. References External links Operation Wallacea is a charitable biological research group working in various areas of Honduras, including Cayo Menor Garifuna of Honduras/Cayos Cochinos Cayos Cochinos Divers/Cayos Cochinos Pirate Islands Divers/Cayos Cochinos Caribbean islands of Honduras Bay Islands Department