Tag:
Belize Coast Guard
Government
Belize Addressing Tensions with Guatemala at the Sarstoon Diplomatically
Belize has been responding diplomatically to recent Guatemalan military incursions into its southern waters following two incidents on September 10 and 13 at the Sarstoon River. The Guatemalan navy claims the entire river belongs to their country. They attempted to block access when a group of Belizeans with the Belize Territorial Volunteers, escorted by the Belize Defence Force (BDF) and Coast Guard, visited the area. The Government of Belize (GOB) has raised the matter with its international allies and has received support from regional and international organizations.
Conservation
The Challenges of Protecting the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve
The Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, located in southern Belize, is a chain of 14 islands off the coast of the Toledo District, currently co-managed by the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE). TIDE conducts routine patrols alongside the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) to protect the area from illegal fishing and other illicit activities. However, enforcement efforts are met with significant challenges, including transboundary issues stemming from the reserve’s proximity to Guatemala and Honduras.
Accidents & Disasters
Fisherman Rescued After Missing at Sea
A San Pedro fisherman, Elbin Sanchez, was rescued on Monday, July 21st, after he went missing off the island's coast. His colleague, Abner Vargas, reported that they had gone fishing in a kayak when Sanchez was nowhere to be found.
Community and Society
Islander Alma Pinelo Promoted to Commander in the Belize Coast Guard
San Pedro Town is beaming with pride as one of its own, Alma Pinelo, made history in Belize’s military with her promotion to the rank of Commander and appointment as Chief of Staff in the Belize Coast Guard (BCG). The proud San Pedrana has served in the BCG since 2008, excelling in her military career through continuous training and steadily rising through the ranks of the institution responsible for safeguarding Belize’s territorial waters.
Community and Society
Lobster Season Is Back; Fishers Register a Bountiful Supply on the First Day
On July 1st, the 2025–2026 lobster season officially opened in Belize. Fishermen across the country headed out early for their first catch of the season. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, fisher-folk returned to their dock with hundreds of Caribbean spiny lobsters. The fishers reported a very fruitful first day, catching large lobsters, which were cleaned and prepared for delivery to the various restaurants offering the popular crustacean on their menus.
Sports
Team Maxi’s wins this year’s Easter Sunday Kayak Race
Daniel Gregorio and Brian Bradley of Team Maxi took first place in this year's fourth annual Kayak Race on Easter Sunday. In this highly anticipated competition, nineteen teams paddled from downtown San Pedro to the Secret Beach area, located northwest of the island.
Police News
San Pedro fishermen come under fire out at sea
San Pedro Police are investigating an incident that took place on Tuesday, February 11th, when a pair of fishermen reported being targeted in open waters. The islanders informed the police that they were pursued and fired upon while fishing near the Tuffy Channel, south of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
Conservation
Hol Chan’s Compliance and Enforcement Unit tackling illegal fishing in the reserve
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a vital marine protected area that attracts thousands of visitors yearly, boosting San Pedro’s economy. Established in 1987, the reserve encompasses a large expanse of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, serving as an essential habitat for diverse marine life. Despite its protected status, the reserve has encountered challenges due to illegal fishing practices threatening its ecological balance. To tackle these issues, the Compliance and Enforcement Unit of Hol Chan Marine Reserve has been conducting joint patrols with the San Pedro Police Formation at random times.
