Conservation
Authorities Urge Public to Respect Belize’s Wildlife – It’s the Law
After a video shared on social media appeared to show tourists chasing and petting a jaguar cub in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in western Belize, the Forest Department has launched an investigation and is working to locate those involved. The incident occurred over the weekend of July 11th. Although the two male tourists have reportedly been identified, authorities have not yet located them.
Environment
Sargassum Continues to Impact Belize’s Coastline
The ongoing influx of sargassum along Belize's Caribbean coastline continues to impact coastal communities, with large quantities of the seaweed now affecting Belize City as well as long-struggling destinations such as San Pedro Town. Municipal authorities, tourism stakeholders, and businesses are intensifying cleanup efforts as the decomposing seaweed threatens public spaces, marine ecosystems, and the country's tourism industry.
Environment
Proposed Caye Caulker Seawall and Dredging Project to Be Reviewed Following Environmental Concerns
A proposed seawall and dredging project in Caye Caulker is set to undergo review after the Caye Caulker Village Council (CCVC) raised concerns about its potential impact on the island's mangroves. On July 1st, the Honorable Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, said the matter will be reviewed in consultation with the Department of the Environment (DOE).
Conservation
Protected Permit Found Skinned Prompting Calls for Stronger Fisheries Enforcement
A skinned permit (Trachinotus falcatus), one of Belize's protected sport fish species, was discovered on June 22nd within a quarter mile of a fish trap in waters off Ambergris Caye, raising concerns about the illegal harvesting of a species considered vital to the country's catch-and-release sport fishing industry. The Belize Flats Fishery Association (BFFA) reported that a fly-fishing guide photographed the remains while on a fishing trip near one of the island's fish shops and alerted both the association and the Belize Fisheries Department.
Conservation
New Fisheries Audit Highlights Concerns from Belize’s Fishing Community
A coalition of 22 fishers' associations from across Belize collaborated to create and publish the country's first-ever Belize Fishers Audit, which was presented in Belize City on June 12th. The document highlights concerns raised by the fishing community and offers recommendations to improve the industry. President of the San Pedro Fishers Association, Jorge Aldana, led the presentation, outlining key issues affecting fishers nationwide.
Environment
Red Phase Declared for Sargassum in San Pedro; Experts Suggest Potential Solutions
The Sargassum situation in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, has reached a level that has prompted the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) to issue a Red Phase warning. Mats of seaweed continue to drift ashore daily. While authorities are doing their best to remove it from the beaches, some experts suggest that the most effective approach is to collect Sargassum before it reaches the shoreline.
Community and Society
$300K Emergency Relief Secured to Help Coastal Stakeholders Combat Sargassum
The Sargassum issue continues to affect Belize’s coastal communities. To better respond to this environmental phenomenon that impacts the tourism industry, a BZ$300,000 grant from the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future has been made available to assist coastal businesses dealing with the buildup of seaweed along their beaches. The grant will support private-sector stakeholders significantly affected by Sargassum influxes, including those in priority coastal destinations such as San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and the mainland communities of Hopkins, Seine Bight, and Placencia.
Environment
Sea Turtle Nesting Season Off to Strong Start on Ambergris Caye
Following the discovery of the first sea turtle nest on April 28th, the number of nests recorded during this year’s Ambergris Caye nesting season has increased to 11 as of June 3rd. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR), which monitors nesting sites along the island’s northern beaches, continues its efforts to ensure a successful season. As part of those efforts, the reserve recently hosted a beach cleanup to remove debris that can pose obstacles for sea turtles attempting to reach their nesting grounds.
Conservation
Government Temporarily Halts Dredging in Sensitive Coastal Areas
Following outrage from activists and environmental groups across the country, including those in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, over what they describe as unsustainable development practices such as dredging, the government has decided to temporarily halt the activity in sensitive areas.
Community and Society
Community Volunteers Unite for Another Sargassum Clean-Up
A grassroots movement formed by a group of island residents known as San Pedro Citizens for Change (SPCC) continues to advocate for local needs through community action. The group recently organized another Sargassum clean-up effort in the downtown area. The latest campaign took place on Sunday, May 31st, when volunteers tackled a section of beach north of Central Park that had become nearly impassable due to large accumulations of the brown seaweed. SPCC thanked everyone who participated and stated that it plans to continue its clean-up efforts every other week, along with other community projects.
Environment
$25 million invested in San Pedro’s fight against Sargassum
The ongoing influx of Sargassum continues to impact Belize's coastline, particularly tourism-dependent destinations such as San Pedro Town and Caye Caulker. Local and central government authorities have invested significant resources to manage the problem. On May 27th, it was confirmed that approximately $25 million has been spent on Sargassum mitigation and beach clean-up efforts in San Pedro alone, yet the challenge remains far from resolved.