Conservation
52 Loggerhead Turtle Hatchlings Found Dead Amid Sargassum Buildup
The ongoing sargassum influx affecting San Pedro's coastline has been linked to the deaths of 52 loggerhead turtle hatchlings found on a beach on Monday, July 20th. As the current sea turtle nesting season is ongoing, the incident has raised concerns about the impact of heavy sargassum accumulations on vulnerable marine life.
Community and Society
Kids in Action Summer Camp returns with 90 young participants
The San Pedro Tour Guide Association's annual Kids in Action Youth Scuba Summer Camp has returned, welcoming 90 participants for three weeks of hands-on training in scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and fishing, including fly-fishing. The program, which began on July 6, will conclude on Sunday, July 26, with a certificate ceremony and the traditional visit to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where participants will put the skills they learned throughout the camp into practice.
Conservation
Authorities Urge Public to Respect Belize’s Wildlife – It’s the Law
After a video shared on social media appeared to show tourists chasing and petting a jaguar cub in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in western Belize, the Forest Department has launched an investigation and is working to locate those involved. The incident occurred over the weekend of July 11th. Although the two male tourists have reportedly been identified, authorities have not yet located them.
Community and Society
Representatives from Fishing Associations Meet with Minister of Blue Economy
Representatives from fishing associations across Belize convened in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, on Friday, June 26th, to meet with the Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, Honorable Andre Perez. President of the San Pedro Fishers Association, Jorge Aldana, led the meeting alongside fellow representatives at Perez's office, where they discussed several issues affecting the country's fishing industry. Perez said his ministry will review the matters raised and follow up with the associations represented at the meeting.
Conservation
Protected Permit Found Skinned Prompting Calls for Stronger Fisheries Enforcement
A skinned permit (Trachinotus falcatus), one of Belize's protected sport fish species, was discovered on June 22nd within a quarter mile of a fish trap in waters off Ambergris Caye, raising concerns about the illegal harvesting of a species considered vital to the country's catch-and-release sport fishing industry. The Belize Flats Fishery Association (BFFA) reported that a fly-fishing guide photographed the remains while on a fishing trip near one of the island's fish shops and alerted both the association and the Belize Fisheries Department.
Community and Society
ACES Celebrates World Crocodile Day with Fundraisers and 31-Kilometer Charity Run
ACES Wildlife Rescue celebrated World Crocodile Day on June 18th with a series of fundraising events, including bar promotions and a 31-kilometer charity run across Ambergris Caye. The initiative aimed to raise funds and awareness for the organization's ongoing wildlife rescue and conservation efforts. Participating bars offered special "Croc Tails" and "Croc Beers" in support of the campaign.
Conservation
New Fisheries Audit Highlights Concerns from Belize’s Fishing Community
A coalition of 22 fishers' associations from across Belize collaborated to create and publish the country's first-ever Belize Fishers Audit, which was presented in Belize City on June 12th. The document highlights concerns raised by the fishing community and offers recommendations to improve the industry. President of the San Pedro Fishers Association, Jorge Aldana, led the presentation, outlining key issues affecting fishers nationwide.
Conservation
Government Temporarily Halts Dredging in Sensitive Coastal Areas
Following outrage from activists and environmental groups across the country, including those in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, over what they describe as unsustainable development practices such as dredging, the government has decided to temporarily halt the activity in sensitive areas.