Environment

Since the late 90s, before the organization was officially established, the dedicated people behind MarAlliance have been leading efforts to safeguard endangered species and critical habitats through marine research, with local fishers at the forefront. Their focus: understanding and protecting marine megafauna – the ocean’s gentle giants like sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Through monthly monitoring expeditions, these fisher-

The annual Reef Report Card was released in October, indicating that Belize’s overall grade for coral health remains “poor.” The 2024 Mesoamerican Reef Report Card is a Healthy Reefs for Healthy People (HRHP) study in collaboration with over 70 organizations dedicated to conserving the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) across Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. These organizations collectively form the Healthy Reefs Initiative (HRI).

On the 29th of October 2024, Guatemala confirmed cases of New World Screwworm (NWS) around Los Amates, Izabal, located 44 miles from the Belize-Guatemala southern border. Both confirmed cases were in bovines (cattle).

Belize is quickly becoming one of the premier fishing destinations in Central America, especially for saltwater anglers looking for diverse fishing experiences. A recent study by Fish Booker, a well-known global platform for booking fishing trips, highlights Belize’s growing appeal in this area. The study analyzed 266 fishing locations outside the United States, using five key criteria based on data from over 40,000 fishing excursions conducted in the past year.

The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is actively addressing the significant challenge of improper waste disposal in Ambergris Caye. Across town, large volumes of waste, particularly from the DFC neighborhood, are being observed dumped on public and private property. This results in waste accumulation on properties, as some residents use garbage transportation services that do not deliver the waste to the designated transfer station. Instead, they often deposit their garbage on vacant properties to avoid the transfer station fees. The Council has initiated warnings and fines for illegal dumping when individuals are caught.

In the effervescent waters of coastal Belize, a culinary and cultural staple is at risk. The conch fishery continues to encounter growing pressure from overfishing and minimal harvesting size. Recent reports indicate that Belize's exports of Queen conch meat have seen a notable rise, doubling in volume from 200 metric tons (MT) to 400 MT between 2003 and 2018. The value of these exports has more than tripled during the same period, setting the Queen conch's position as the second most important fishery in the country, after spiny lobster. While the exact impact of Queen conch on tourism and household food security remains unclear, they are believed to be considerable. Strict and dedicated management efforts are critical to safeguarding this valued shellfish and ensuring that it doesn’t vanish from our plates.

The Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD) and a representative from the Belize Forest Department went on their first deployment within the Bacalar Chico National Park (BCNP) on Friday, October 4th. As part of their mission to protect and preserve this critical area, the team set up temporary signs, while permanent signage is completed to ensure clear identification of key areas. The primary goal of this endeavor is to facilitate movement through the park's intricate mangroves, wooded trails, and coastal terrain while ensuring the preservation and surveillance of Belize’s valuable ecosystem. After nearly three decades, the team has successfully located and upgraded outdated markers at seven important southern points within the protected areas.

Since its establishment on June 21 this year, the Department of Environment (DOE) in Ambergris Caye has proactively addressed environmental concerns. The DOE staff actively engages in various activities and plans to continue efforts to oversee the Cayes' environmental demands. DOE operates independently to uphold the Environmental Protection Act, which grants broad regulatory and enforcement authority for preventing and controlling environmental pollution and conserving and managing natural resources.