Environment
GOB Expands Marine Protected Areas in Biodiverse Offshore Waters
On Wednesday, April 3rd, the Government of Belize (GOB) approved “The Expansion of Fisheries Replenishment (No-Take) Zones,” which will increase the total area of Belize’s protected waters from 4.5 percent to 11.6 %, according to Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
Environment
San Pedro’s athletes top the 7th annual English Caye Channel Swim Challenge
The 1.6-mile swim aims to raise awareness of conservation issues in conjunction with Reef Week 2019. It is also an opportunity to showcase the swimming talent in Belize.
Environment
Annual Caye Caulker Lionfish Derby registers decrease in invasive fish
Held at the Barrier Reef Sports Bar and Grill, the competition saw eight teams heading out to sea early in the morning to try and catch as much Lionfish as possible. In addition, there were some fabulous prizes up for grabs, including for Smallest Lionfish, Largest Lionfish, Most Lionfish caught by scuba divers and Most Lionfish caught by free dive.
Environment
Say NO to Plastics – DOE begins public education
Belize is saying NO to plastics, particularly non-biodegradable plastic bags, trays, plates, cups, bottles, spoons and other containers and utensils, which will soon become illegal to import or even possess. Education of the public to choose biodegradable alternatives and to switch from disposable, single-use containers to reusable bags, containers, and utensils, is key to making the program work.
Environment
Illegal dredging activities halted on San Pedro lagoon
Concerned citizens claimed that heavy machinery, including a Caterpillar excavator, had allegedly been used to construct an approximately three-mile channel heading north. The Department of Environment (DOE) confirmed to The San Pedro Sun that the proprietors, believed to be Bob Dhillon and David Mitchell, did not have the required permits for such an activity and the persons carrying out the excavation were verbally ordered to cease operations until an inspection is conducted.
Environment
Draft Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulation, 2019 Available for Comments
The public and interested parties are hereby advised that the Draft Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulation, 2019, is available for review on the Department of the Environment (DOE) website at www.doe.gov.b
Environment
Belize’s National Lionfish Management Strategic Plan 2019-2023 Launched
Blue Ventures, in partnership with the Belize Fisheries Department, officially launched Belize’s National Lionfish Management Strategy Plan 2019-2023 during a ceremony at the Belize Coastal Zone Management training room in Belize City on Thursday, February 24th.
Environment
Proposed development on mangrove property across from San Pedro Lagoon raises concerns
The fact that the proposed project is a mangrove island without stable land has raised concerns among islanders. The mangrove in this location is not only a key habitat for juvenile fish but home to wide array wildlife and birds.