Environment
Department of Environment now in San Pedro for six months
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.
Community and Society
SPTC reiterates that proper garbage disposal is everyone’s business
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is aggressively addressing the ongoing issue of improper garbage disposal across the island. Despite several calls for residents to help clean up the island, the issue persists at an alarming rate. As a result, the SPTC is now taking a proactive approach to solving the problem. Anyone caught violating the law regarding littering and improper garbage disposal will be liable to pay a minimum fine of five hundred dollars.
Environment
Team Carma wins 4th Annual Reef Adventures Lionfish Tournament
On Saturday, October 5th, Reef Adventures hosted its annual Lionfish Tournament at the Palapa Bar Dock. The event began at 7AM as participating boats set out to capture lionfish. After a day at sea, the teams returned at 4PM with iceboxes full of lionfish to weigh and count. Six teams participated in this year's competition: Team Carma, Elite Divers, Chingon, Plentyfulltoo, Amigos del Mar, and Bossgial. Team Carma emerged as the winner, capturing 446 lionfish and claiming the top prize of $5,000.
Environment
Enforcement of the Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastic) Regulations
Press Release - Belmopan, Belize – October 7, 2024. The Department of the Environment (DOE), under the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change,...
Conservation
Sustainability of Turtle Nesting Season needs increased conservation efforts
So far, for 2024, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) has documented 63 sea turtle nests on the shores of Ambergris Caye during the nesting season. Most of these nests were found between Robles and Rocky Point, away from the busy areas of San Pedro Town. Forty-one of these nests successfully hatched, resulting in 2167 hatchlings entering the warm Caribbean shores of La Isla Bonita. Among these hatchlings were 1281 loggerheads, 798 green turtles, and 88 unidentified species, which are currently under further research for identification.
Conservation
SPTC works towards safeguarding the environment amid ongoing development
San Pedro Town is the most populated and developed area of Ambergris Caye. Over the years, it has rapidly expanded to accommodate progress and the growing population. As it grows, the challenge of balancing progress and conservation remains a concern for the local authorities. To address this, studies have been conducted in partnership with international organizations such as IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture SAU, and the Inter-American Development Bank to develop a master plan that will include protected areas. While the project is being finalized, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has launched an aggressive project to protect the downtown beaches by implementing a nature-based approach.
Community and Society
Department of Environment trains SPTC staff to issue improper garbage disposal tickets
On Tuesday, September 17th, the Belize Department of Environment (DOE) organized a training session from 9AM to 12:30PM in Ambergris Caye. The session, hosted by environmental officer Mr. Kendrick Gordon, was to educate council members, traffic managers, and head traffic wardens about a new ticketing initiative. This initiative involves issuing litter tickets to individuals improperly disposing of waste or contributing to environmental pollution, starting with random inspections on the island. Those failing to adhere to the regulations will be subject to ticketing and fines based on the severity of the offense.
Conservation
New species of Hammerhead Shark discovered in Belizean waters
On Monday, September 23rd, scientists from Florida International University (FIU), USA, revealed a newly identified species of hammerhead shark named “Sphyrna alleni," in honor of the late Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen, a strong supporter of shark conservation. Anglers fishing in Belize’s Robinson Point and Riversdale Village caught several hammerhead sharks between 2016 and 2019, passing them on to scientists. After years of analysis, researchers have now confirmed the discovery of a new species.