Conservation

San Pedro’s Omar Arceo, popularly known as the “Dr. of the Flats,” was busy during this summer break, traveling the country and teaching the youth about sustainable fishing. He joined the campaign in the northern part of the country and then visited several coastal communities across Belize, where he interacted with young children via the annual Fly-Fishing Summer Camp.

The 2024 Kids in Action Youth Scuba Summer Camp concluded on Sunday, August 4th, with a field trip to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve off Ambergris Caye and a closing ceremony. The ceremony's highlight was the recognition of 75 students who received certificates for their outstanding performance in diving, fly-fishing, and snorkeling lessons.

The San Pedro Classic Fly-Fishing Tournament took place from August 1st to the 3rd and saw eight teams participate. The three-day competition included fishing and fun and showcased the importance of the fly-fishing industry in Belize. The top team, Team Big Sexy, won the grand prize of US$3,000, with Abner Marin and Zach Kolanda leading the team. Additionally, the tournament raised funds for the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT) and Omar Arceo's Youth Fly-Fishing Program.

The co-management plan for the Bacalar Chico National, located in northern Ambergris Caye, was further discussed at a two-day consultation on July 26th and 27th in San Pedro Town. Hosted by the Sarteneja Alliance For Conservation and Development (SACD), the sessions heard feedback from representatives of the business community, fly fishing tour guides, local marine biologists, local conservation agencies, island residents, and the Belize Coast Guard toward the completion of the management strategy. SACD plans to have a permanent presence in the area by mid-August.

On Wednesday, July 17th, the Sarteneja Alliance For Conservation and Development (SACD) held a meeting at the San Pedro House of Culture to work on a strategic plan to manage the terrestrial part of the Bacalar Chico National Park, a World Heritage Site in northern Ambergris Caye. SACD, a non-governmental organization in Corozal District, was given the co-management of this protected area by the Government of Belize in March 2023.

The Youth Summer camp program, Kids in Action, is back in full swing, with 74 kids enrolled this year. The program, in partnership with the Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute (CZMAI), started on Monday, July 8th, and will run through Thursday, July 18th. It offers ten incredible days of fun and knowledge enrichment for the young minds of Ambergris Caye.

After a brief delay due to Hurricane Beryl, the annual Guardians of the Reef Summer Camp is now in full swing. The camp, running from Monday, July 8th to July 19th at the Lion's Den from 8:30AM to 11:30AM, is organized by the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) with a clear mission to educate children about protecting and preserving the marine environment. The camp features a rich array of fun and educational activities, outdoor games, and lessons on conservation, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience for the young participants.

The Compliance and Enforcement Unit at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) has been busy conducting patrols with the San Pedro Police Formation, both at sea and on the island. These joint efforts recently led to several individuals being arrested and charged with different offenses. These included possession of lobster during the closed season, possession of undersized Queen Conch in shell that did not exceed seven inches in length during the open season, possession of unprocessed Conch that did not exceed 7.5 ounces in weight during the open season, possession of market clean (partially processed) conch that did not exceed three ounces in weight during the open season, and possession of conch during the closed season. These offenses carry penalties starting from $500 fines or up to two years imprisonment.