Community and Society
SACD hosts consultation regarding co-management of Bacalar Chico National Park
On Wednesday, July 17th, the Sarteneja Alliance For Conservation and Development (SACD) held a meeting at the San Pedro House of Culture to work on a strategic plan to manage the terrestrial part of the Bacalar Chico National Park, a World Heritage Site in northern Ambergris Caye. SACD, a non-governmental organization in Corozal District, was given the co-management of this protected area by the Government of Belize in March 2023.
Conservation
San Pedro’s Annual Kids in Action Summer Camp Program is back!
The Youth Summer camp program, Kids in Action, is back in full swing, with 74 kids enrolled this year. The program, in partnership with the Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute (CZMAI), started on Monday, July 8th, and will run through Thursday, July 18th. It offers ten incredible days of fun and knowledge enrichment for the young minds of Ambergris Caye.
Community and Society
Island kids take part in Hol Chan’s Guardians of the Reef Summer Camp
After a brief delay due to Hurricane Beryl, the annual Guardians of the Reef Summer Camp is now in full swing. The camp, running from Monday, July 8th to July 19th at the Lion's Den from 8:30AM to 11:30AM, is organized by the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) with a clear mission to educate children about protecting and preserving the marine environment. The camp features a rich array of fun and educational activities, outdoor games, and lessons on conservation, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience for the young participants.
Conservation
Hol Chan Marine Reserve busts fishermen with illegal marine products
The Compliance and Enforcement Unit at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) has been busy conducting patrols with the San Pedro Police Formation, both at sea and on the island. These joint efforts recently led to several individuals being arrested and charged with different offenses. These included possession of lobster during the closed season, possession of undersized Queen Conch in shell that did not exceed seven inches in length during the open season, possession of unprocessed Conch that did not exceed 7.5 ounces in weight during the open season, possession of market clean (partially processed) conch that did not exceed three ounces in weight during the open season, and possession of conch during the closed season. These offenses carry penalties starting from $500 fines or up to two years imprisonment.
Conservation
Cayo Rosario project remains active; Environmental Clearance backs it up
The proposed tourism project on Cayo Rosario, a small island nestled within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve off the northwest coast of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, continues to be controversial. This location is crucial, as it places the project in direct conflict with the reserve's conservation efforts. A united front of environmentalists, tourism stakeholders, and fly-fishing guides has vehemently opposed the project, which threatens the guides' livelihoods. Despite this widespread opposition, the project has managed to secure the required permits and has been granted Environmental Clearance by the Department of the Environment (DOE).
Conservation
The Bonefish and Tarpon Trust conducts educational presentations at primary schools in the Cayes
On Wednesday, June 5th, the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT) wrapped up a series of presentations at several San Pedro Town and Caye Caulker primary schools. The science-based organization, committed to conserving flats, fisheries, and habitats, conducted educational sessions with students from Infant Two and Standard One classes. The sessions focused on protecting fisheries habitats and the life cycle of tarpon, a protected fish species in Belize.
Conservation
Omar Arceo invited to present on fly fishing and sustainable fishing in Cuba
San Pedro’s Omar Arceo, popularly known as the “Dr. of the Flats,” was invited to Cuba as an international expert to share his decades of experience and expertise in fly fishing and sustainable fishing practices. The interactive event, part of a week-long workshop that started on Monday, May 20th, will also promote rural, marine, and aquaculture opportunities and other alternative fishing practices connected to native ecosystems.
Community and Society
Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s Reef Fest includes educational Trivia Competition
Hol Chan Marine Reserve held its Annual Reef Fest 2024 Primary School Trivia Competition on Wednesday, May 22nd, at the Lions Den in San Pedro Town. The tight competition started at 9:00AM, with the participation of nine contestants from five different schools: Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES), San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS), The Island Academy (TIA), Isla Bonita Elementary School (IBES), and the Holy Cross Anglican School (HCAS). The participants showcased their knowledge of the reef and marine ecosystems.
Community and Society
Hol Chan Prepares for Reef Fest 2024
Hol Chan Marine Reserve's Reef Fest is back! The 2024 edition will be celebrated from May 19th to May 24th, with the theme "Saving the marine ecosystem is a priority; education is key to sustainability." Paris Kelly and Karisha Rubio, winners of last year's slogan competition at San Pedro High School, suggested this year's theme.
Conservation
First Sea Turtle nest of the season discovered on the Northern Ambergris Caye
On Monday, May 6th, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) team received a report from Chris Summers via their official Facebook page. Summers is a collaborator with whom they have established a working relationship through Aces Wildlife Rescue. Mr. Summers shared a video of a fresh sea turtle crawl observed on the beach side of the property owned by Clear Water Belize. The HCMR team promptly responded to this notification and confirmed the presence of a nest upon investigation, marking the inauguration of Ambergris Caye Sea Turtle Season 2024.
Conservation
The Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit hosts two-day mission with the Belize Fisheries Department
On April 22nd and 23rd, the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit, Office of the Prime Minister, hosted a two-day mission with the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD) to meet with on the ground partners in Southern Belize who are grantees from the conservation funding under the Belize Blue Bonds. On April 22nd, the team met up with the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, who has been instrumental in providing important scientific information for the sustainable use and conservation of sharks in Belize.
