Conservation

Alvaro de Marichalar Saenz de Tejada is a Spanish navigator, explorer, and academic of the Royal Academy of the Sea. He arrived in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, on Friday, December 2nd, on a mission to continue his campaign, raising awareness against plastic pollution and overfishing via his world tour. Alvaro’s expedition started in Seville, Spain, in 2019, intending to circumnavigate the globe aboard the smallest craft in history.

A healthy mangrove population is especially crucial to maintaining a healthy reef. Much like the Barrier Reef is afforded protection, the same needs to apply to wetlands and mangroves within the region to conserve biodiversity and plant life.

Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, south of Caye Caulker, is a marine protected area and a haven for the native Antillean manatees. A visit to this area promises an unforgettable experience viewing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is managed from an office established in Caye Caulker known as Friends of Swallow Caye. Their efforts have inspired both locals and visitors, leading to fundraising campaigns. One of these is currently by a 17-year-old high school student, Natalie Schnurman, from New York, United States of America (USA).

At a press conference in Belize City on Thursday, November 17th, Oceana Belize announced the commencement of a countrywide signature collection drive to trigger a national referendum regarding oil exploration in Belizean waters. Vice-President Janelle Chanona said the decision was made following a conversation with Prime Minister Honourable Dr. John Briceño in September. She claims it confirmed the current administration’s intention to proceed with seismic testing in Belizean waters with prior approval from the public. However, GOB clarifies that it has not entered into any agreements for seismic studies nor for oil exploration in offshore areas.

Marine conservationist Dr. Rachel Graham, well known in San Pedro Town and throughout Belize, was one of the recipients of Oceana Belize's Ocean Hero 2022 award. The other champion of the sea awarded with the prestigious recognition was marine ecologist Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts. The extraordinary Belizean professionals were recognized at the 12th annual award ceremony that was held virtually on Thursday, September 29th. 

The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation (MBECA) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative for Jamaica, The Bahamas and Belize, and Belize’s National Designated Authority to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), has organized four Climate Change Vulnerability and Livelihood consultations for the coastal zone and fisheries sector of Belize.

Belize is rich in fisheries resources and supports the livelihoods of thousands across the country. However, these resources must be responsibly accessed, and to make sure the stock of marine products remains a healthy one; the government has created agencies to look after the wellbeing of the fisheries resources. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, along with fisheries and police officers, have been enforcing lobster, conch, and fishing regulations, to name a few. Many non-compliant fishermen have been detained, charged, and prosecuted at the San Pedro Magistrate Court for offenses. A recent incident saw six fisher-folks found guilty of breaking the law.

The Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve in northern Ambergris Caye is considered by many island residents an area exploited by encroachers endangering the unique and protected wildlife in that area. Many concerned residents continue to report illegal fishing, clearing of land, and hunting. The area is also a critical nesting area for sea turtles, and respective authorities are urged to do something before it is too late. The Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation (MBECA) is aware of the situation, and to continue the efforts to address the issue, the ministry participated in the signing of a subsidiary agreement between the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) and the Belize Fisheries Department to improve the management of the marine reserve network in the country.