The Hol Chan Marine Reserve hosted their annual Reef Fair on Thursday, May 11th at the Central Park in San Pedro Town. Various environmental organizations gathered from 9AM ready to educate the students of San Pedro Town on marine conservation. Participating organizations included: The Belize Fisheries Department, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Protect Our Manatees, Blackadore Caye, Oceana Belize, the Department of the Environment among others.
Topics highlighted during the fair included efficient ways to preserve the environment and the different wildlife of the different ecosystems, on both the mainland and the coastal areas of the country. The different presentations included diagrams of turtle nesting, a display of the Bacalar Chico Reserve and a demonstration from Blackadore Caye Group on testing water quality.
Aside from the educational booths, students also had the opportunity to play games for prizes, and test their knowledge about environmental topics. Throughout the fair refreshments were served by the Hol Chan staff.
The highlight of the fair was when Hol Chan Educator Mariela Archer presented the Reef Trivia awards to the three winners during the fair. Archer handed out the third place consisting of a $100 gift certificate and schoolbag with supplies to Tellen Smith from Island Academy. The second place prize was for Terence Keating from Isla Bonita Elementary, comprising of a tabled with keyboard, schoolbag with supplies and a plaque.
The first place winner Austin Castro of San Pedro Roman Catholic School took the spotlight as he was awarded a laptop, printer, flash drive, schoolbag with supplies, and a plaque.
The management of Hol Chan Marine Reserve would like to thank all the schools, and students, the community, and stakeholders for contributing to another successful Reef Week. Hol Chan will continue to promote marine conservation by raising awareness and educating the public. As the end of Reef Week approaches, a lionfish tournament will be held tomorrow Friday, May 12th followed by a lionfish ceviche competition. Activities will culminate on Saturday, May 13th with a Kayak Race around the island beginning at 8AM from Wayo’s Beach Bar at Boca Del Rio.
