Environment
Real Estate development of Cayo Grande on lagoon side receives approval for 130-lot subdivision
Cayo Grande Island is expected to turn into ‘New San Pedro’ and eventually merge with the downtown area. It has received approval for a 130-lot subdivision.
Environment
Sperm Whale calf dies shortly after rescue off north Ambergris Caye coast
After apparently being unable to locate her mother in the open sea, the recently rescued newborn Sperm Whale has died.
Environment
New-born Sperm Whale rescued in northern Ambergris Caye
Island residents Cesar Hernandez, Emmanuel Garcia, and Thomas Ack are commended for reporting and doing all they could to assist the baby sperm whale from distress.
Environment
Sargassum influx increasing on Ambergris Caye
Despite a late start in the season, the annual influx of Sargassum has begun landing onshore, and resorts and authorities continue battling the seaweed.
Environment
DOE announces Approval for Extension of Timeframe to Implement the Pollution from Plastic Regulations
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has received Cabinet's endorsement for the extension of the timeframe for the implementation of Regulation 33 (1) (b), (c) and (d) of the Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulations, 2020.
Environment
Sea Cucumber Season Closure
The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs all fishers and the public that in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 67 of 2009 under the Fisheries Act Chapter 210 Revised Edition 2003 of the Subsidiary Laws of Belize, the Sea Cucumber fishery will be declared closed effective July 1, 2020.
Crime
Eight fishermen charged for possession of out of season lobster and conch; one remanded while others met bail
The lobster season officially opened on June 15th, but a few days before this date, some fishermen were caught with out of season products (lobster and conch) within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR). This was the result of increased enforcement efforts by HCMR between June 13th and 15th, leading to the successful prosecution of eight fishermen. They were charged and fined for possession of lobster during the closed season, possession of conch during the closed season, possession of undersized lobster, possession of lobster with spawn, possession of soft shell lobster, possession of lobster with berries removed, fishing within a conservation zone, engaging in spearfishing within the Reserve and fishing without a valid fishing license. The total amount in fines amounted to $13,180 BZ, and one fisherman of Guatemalan nationality was remanded while the others met bail.
Conservation
MOU signed for Tri-Partite Collaboration for Sustainable Tourism Development in Protected Areas
A 1st of its kind tri-partied Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed to collaborate in the planning, resource mobilization, development & promotion of Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas.