Tag:
Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve
Community and Society
Road and bridge proposal to connect Ambergris Caye with Mexico concerns environmentalists
After it was revealed by Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño that there is a proposal to connect Ambergris Caye with the Mexican Yucatan peninsula via a bridge, environmentalists have sounded the alarm of its negative impact could cause to that part of the island. With a bridge, a road will be a must, and this development means that the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve in the area could be in jeopardy. Its unique wildlife face displacement, and sea turtle nesting areas could become a thing of the past.
Conservation
Jaguar spotted swimming off Ambergris Caye north coast
Fly-fishing tour guide Michael Peralta and his guests witnessed a rare sighting on the northwest coast of Ambergris Caye on Tuesday, September 14th while on their way to the fishing flats. They suddenly spotted something swimming in the water and to their surprise, it was far from a marine creature, but a full-grown jaguar.
Environment
Islanders report illegal hunting and disturbance of turtle nests in northern Ambergris Caye
In April of this year, the Ministries of the Blue Economy and Sustainable Development Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management denounced reports of illegal hunting in northern Ambergris Caye within the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve. Following their reaction, little has been done as the criminal activities continue, including the apparent uprooting of mature coconut trees and the potential threat to turtle nesting areas.
Crime & Violence
Mexican outlaws rob Belize Fisheries staff at sea
Belizean authorities are investigating an incident involving a pair of employees from the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD) who were robbed by Mexican pirates on Saturday, July 24th, while monitoring corals at a treatment site. The incident took place at Barracuda Patch within the Conservation Zone 1 of the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve 22 miles north of San Pedro Town.
Environment
Government calls out irregular hunting activities in northern Ambergris Caye; locals say hunting continues
According to reports from concerned islanders, illegal hunting activities in northern Ambergris Caye within the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve continues. This area of the island is known for its unique game species and is home to jaguars and pumas. The increased reports of these illegal activities have caught the attention of the Ministries of the Blue Economy, and Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management. Although they denounce these acts, it has not been enough to dissuade the illegal hunting and even allegedly trade of Ambergris Caye's wildlife.
