Conservation
New regulation introduced to protect shark populations in Belize
Shark fishing around Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Glover’s Reef, and Turneffe Atoll will no longer be allowed after the Government of Belize (GOB) officially banned this practice on June 25th. This new regulation was announced by the Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation. It is welcomed by many environmental organizations, who believe the move will establish a haven for sharks across an area of approximately 1,500 square miles.
Conservation
Collaborative Partnerships Define New Shark Regulations and Cooperation with Fishers in Belize
Sharks are being threatened in the Caribbean and around the world. Belize aims to improve shark conservation and management with newly adopted regulations. The new regulations protect sharks as apex predators of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a World Heritage Site. Shark fishing will be prohibited within a two nautical mile radius around Lighthouse Reef, Glover’s Reef, and Turneffe Atolls, establishing a safe haven measuring 1,500 square miles. These recommendations were made by the National Shark Working Group, a team comprised of the Government of Belize, shark fisher folks, NGOs and researchers.
Conservation
Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease is killing Belize’s reefs; HCMR to the rescue
Since its detection in 2019 in the Bacalar Chico area, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) team and the Fisheries Department have monitored the spread of the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). While observing its spread, they have engaged in field testing treatment options of the highly contagious disease that is rapidly killing healthy corals along the coast of Ambergris Caye.
Community and Society
Minister of the Blue Economy comments on the proposed development of Cayo Rosario
The controversial Cayo Rosario development of Ambergris Caye is again a concern to residents of San Pedro Town. The proposed tourism development, which has received environmental clearance and green light for construction, includes over-the-water structures. These buildings will be erected above protected fishing flats - the bloodline of the local flyfishing industry. The area also lies in the middle of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. For these reasons, stakeholders continue to oppose the development and hope that the new administration will intervene and save the multi-million-dollar industry, which is the livelihood of many.
Conservation
PACT Celebrates 25 Years of Supporting the Management of the Belize National Protected Areas System
June 6th, 2021 marks the 25th anniversary of the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT). The Trust was operationalized as a statutory body in 1996 as Belize’s national financing mechanism for protected areas and it has directly invested over $34 Million in the national protected areas system in addition to varied indirect financial support.
Community and Society
SATIIM Board Confirms New Executive Director
As the first Program Coordinator of SATIIM’s Women’s Program, Ms. Ch’oc demonstrated a high level of proficiency in both technical and interpersonal skills, including project management, staff supervision, community outreach and administration. As Executive Director, she brings new energy and perspectives to SATIIM’s programs in the defense of human rights and the environment, the promotion of sustainable community development, and the leadership of women and youth.
Conservation
Visitors to northern beaches asked to NOT LITTER; these are sea turtle nesting grounds!
A group of island residents made it their task to clean up a popular beach area by Robles Point in northern Ambergris Caye filled with rubbish. Many of the discarded items are non-biodegradable and pose a threat to the delicate natural environment and the nesting grounds frequented by sea turtles each year. If this practice continues, it will tarnish the natural beauty of these beaches, and sea turtles may never return to nest. Persons visiting this area of the island need to do the right thing and not leave their garbage behind after picnicking.
Community and Society
Renowned Belizean marine scientist Dr. Robert Trench passes away
Highly respected scientist Dr. Robert K. Trench passed away on April 27th. Dr. Trench, a born Belizean, was recognized as the leading expert in identifying the symbiotic relationship between corals and algae.