Conservation
Concerns rise among San Pablo residents over large crocodile
On Friday, November 29th, video footage of a crocodile caused alarm among residents living near the Ambergris Stadium in San Pablo, south of San Pedro Town. This incident highlighted the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife interactions in the area, particularly concerning crocodiles that have become habituated to human presence.
Conservation
The hopeful tale of survival for Belize’s queen conch
In Belize, tourists travel thousands of miles to enjoy the country’s seafood, which features a variety of seasonal conch dishes, including conch soup, conch fritters, stewed conch, fried conch, and the most popular dish, conch ceviche (made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime, salt, and pepper). These delicacies have been enjoyed for decades; however, a lingering question remains: how much of the stock is left in the sea?
Conservation
Beyond Data: MarAlliance’s Human-Centered Approach to Marine Conservation
Since the late 90s, before the organization was officially established, the dedicated people behind MarAlliance have been leading efforts to safeguard endangered species and critical habitats through marine research, with local fishers at the forefront. Their focus: understanding and protecting marine megafauna – the ocean’s gentle giants like sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Through monthly monitoring expeditions, these fisher-
Conservation
Belize’s Coral Health remains “Poor”; Immediate intervention needed
The annual Reef Report Card was released in October, indicating that Belize’s overall grade for coral health remains “poor.” The 2024 Mesoamerican Reef Report Card is a Healthy Reefs for Healthy People (HRHP) study in collaboration with over 70 organizations dedicated to conserving the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) across Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. These organizations collectively form the Healthy Reefs Initiative (HRI).
Conservation
The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust to invest US$1 million in Belize’s Flat Fishery
The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), a prominent international conservation organization, has announced a $1 million commitment to flats fishery conservation in Belize. According to an official release, this funding marks the next phase of BTT's efforts in Belize, which began in 2006 with a focus on bonefish and permit science. This investment represents a three-year initiative aimed at supporting projects designed to enhance the resilience of Belize's flats fishery.
Conservation
Funding Secured for Belize’s Shark Conservation at the Atolls
On Thursday, October 24th, the Government of Belize Press Office released a statement regarding new long-term funding for Belize’s Atolls. The surf wear company Matuse, the Andrew Sabin Foundation, and the Global Fin Print project announced their commitment to support three critical shark conservation areas: Glovers Reef, Lighthouse Reef, and Turneffe Atolls. According to the 2023 Global Fin Print study, these atolls are among the top habitats for coral reef sharks globally.
Conservation
Oceana celebrates 15 years of community empowerment: Together we create a future where people and special places thrive
Oceana is proud to celebrate its 15th anniversary in Belize, a significant milestone in support of empowered Belizean stewardship of our unique national assets and cultural identity. Since 2009, Oceana has amplified national calls for safeguarding livelihoods and bolstering marine conservation through habitat protection and best practices in fisheries management. The legislated results have benefited the environment and communities, with protections now in place for over 13,970 miles (618,200 hectares or 36,182 km2) of Belizean waters and tens of thousands of marine-based livelihoods.
Conservation
Revisiting the Science of Conch Maturity Five Years Later
In the effervescent waters of coastal Belize, a culinary and cultural staple is at risk. The conch fishery continues to encounter growing pressure from overfishing and minimal harvesting size. Recent reports indicate that Belize's exports of Queen conch meat have seen a notable rise, doubling in volume from 200 metric tons (MT) to 400 MT between 2003 and 2018. The value of these exports has more than tripled during the same period, setting the Queen conch's position as the second most important fishery in the country, after spiny lobster. While the exact impact of Queen conch on tourism and household food security remains unclear, they are believed to be considerable. Strict and dedicated management efforts are critical to safeguarding this valued shellfish and ensuring that it doesn’t vanish from our plates.