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.
Conservation
The challenges sustainable fishers face in Belize
A family of committed fishermen from Sarteneja Village and its surrounding areas in the northern Corozal District uses the waters around Middle Long Caye sustainably. They are the Lopez family, led by Ismael Lopez Sr. and Jr., Rodrigo Lopez, and Nestor Lopez. The family has been fishing in the region for over four decades now. Despite their excellent practices, Ismael, one of the head fishers, shared that pirates, the effects of climate change, and the possibility of expanding marine protected areas without proper consultations often threaten their fishing camp.
Conservation
Belize’s Scarlet Macaws population in peril
The Frіеndѕ fоr Соnѕеrvаtіоn аnd Dеvеlорmеnt (FСD) are alerting Belizeans that the local population of Scarlet Macaws is іn іmmеdіаtе реrіl. The organization that looks after the Chiquibul National Park in western Belize released an official note on April 23rd explaining the current situation and citing that around 2008, approximately 125 pairs of macaws remained in that area.
Community and Society
San Pedro celebrates Earth Day with a colorful beach event
San Pedro residents commemorated Earth Day on Saturday, April 20th, with an educational and fun fair at the Boca del Rio Beach Park. The family activity was themed ‘Neon Glow Night.’ The gathering included educational booths, mechanical games, music, lively presentations highlighting the importance of preserving the planet, and the presence of Miss Earth Reyna Choj.
Conservation
Nassau Grouper season opens in Belize
The Nassau Grouper season in Belize is officially open from April 1st to November 30th. However, the Fisheries Department reminds fishermen about the critical status of the Nassau Grouper, the importance of responsible fishing practices, and adherence to fisheries regulations.
Conservation
Belize’s Quest for Sustainable Solutions to Finance Marine Protected Areas
Belize, though small in size, stands as a beacon of ambition in the realm of coastal and marine protection. Internationally acclaimed for its commitment to conservation, Belize has 103 protected areas, 32 of which are Coastal and Marine Protected Areas (CAMPAs). Each protected area is designated under a specific category based on why it is being protected.