Community and Society
Oceana Belize honors San Pedro’s Jennie Staines with Ocean Hero award
Well-known islander and Chef Jennie Staines was selected as one of Oceana’s Ocean Heroes at their annual award ceremony on Wednesday, September 29th, held virtually due to the pandemic. The second recipient of the prestigious award went to Kevin Andrewin. Oceana recognized both Staines and Andrewin for their invaluable contributions to marine conservation in Belize.
Conservation
Jaguar spotted swimming off Ambergris Caye north coast
Fly-fishing tour guide Michael Peralta and his guests witnessed a rare sighting on the northwest coast of Ambergris Caye on Tuesday, September 14th while on their way to the fishing flats. They suddenly spotted something swimming in the water and to their surprise, it was far from a marine creature, but a full-grown jaguar.
Conservation
GOB works with a coalition of NGO’s in commitment to conserve key areas of the Maya Forest in Belize
The Government of Belize, Re:wild and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) have agreed to co-operate in the implementation of a strategy and mutual undertaking of the parties for the benefit of the Government and People of Belize, to protect and conserve their natural ecosystems and its services, as well as its biodiversity in perpetuity while seeking to support sustainable human development.
Conservation
Hol Chan staff participates in Rapid Response Reef Restoration Training held in Ambergris Caye
Staff from the Hol Chan Marine Reserve participated in a course to train first responders how to develop theoretical and practical skills, knowledge and attitudes and join response brigades in the event of a major storm or disturbance to Belize's barrier reef. Due to COVID-19 regulations, the training was held in two phases from July 26th to the 30th, with participants from Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala. Held in San Pedro, the second part of the course is scheduled from 23rd to 27th August. However, three days before these dates, there will be a workshop to train participants to become trainers.
Conservation
Selva Maya Natural Resources Protection Project Completes First Phase
The Forest Department under the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management held a closing ceremony for the “Selva Maya Natural Resources Protection Project” on Wednesday July 21, 2021. This is a regional project implemented by the countries of Belize, Guatemala and Mexico.
Community and Society
Killing of a Bottlenose Dolphin in Northern Belize
The Ministry of Blue Economy & Civil Aviation and the Belize Fisheries Department are saddened and express extreme displeasure with the killing of a Bottlenose dolphin in Northern Belize in the vicinity of Progresso and Little Belize Lagoon.
Conservation
Belize Fisheries Council Inaugurated
The Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, headed by Hon. Andre Perez, held the inaugural meeting of the Belize Fisheries Council. The council serves as an advisory body to the ministry on all areas related to fisheries and fisheries management.
Community and Society
Lobster season officially opens; island fishers busy at work
For all those lovers of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster, the 2021-2022 season officially opened on Thursday, July 1st. Fishermen in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, set sail early in the morning and hours later returned with a bounty of tasty crustaceans that were sold and delivered to restaurants. The opening of the season also signals another anticipated event on the island - the annual lobster festival.