Tag:
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Environment
Reports of Siete Canales Lands Being Subdivided; Minister Confirms Parcels to Be Vested in Hol Chan
Concerns have surfaced over reports that lands in the Siete Canales area, including four small islets, are being surveyed and subdivided for private individuals. The claims, widely circulated on social media, raised alarm because the area forms part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a site considered vital to the marine ecosystem.
Conservation
Delicate Balance at Risk: Belize Reef Battles Record Sargassum Levels
A severe environmental crisis is unfolding along the northern coastline of Ambergris Caye. An unprecedented influx of sargassum seaweed is impacting the Belize Barrier Reef, particularly the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve and National Park. The decomposing seaweed along the shoreline and near the reef is causing massive marine mortality and disrupting the ecosystem. Conservation groups and marine scientists are urgently documenting the damage and calling on the government to declare the sargassum event a national disaster.
Conservation
Understanding Human Involvement in Sea Turtle Hatchling Rescues
The sea turtle nesting season is underway, and the eastern beaches of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, are a favored nesting site for these magnificent marine creatures. While most nests are typically reported along the remote northern beaches of the island, a recent discovery brought sea turtle activity much closer to town. On the night of July 23rd, residents north of downtown San Pedro spotted baby sea turtles emerging from a nest and alerted authorities.
Conservation
Rare Sea Turtle Nest Discovered Near Downtown San Pedro
On Wednesday night, July 23rd, residents just north of San Pedro Town reported the sighting of baby sea turtles on the beach. Approximately 139 hatchlings had emerged but appeared disoriented. The ACES Wildlife Rescue team was first contacted and, in turn, reached out to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which oversees a sea turtle conservation program. Under Hol Chan’s guidance, the hatchlings were rescued. They are now in the care of the Reserve and will be safely released into the sea in the coming days.
Conservation
Belize’s Reefs Suffer as Climate Change Intensifies
The issue of climate change continues to affect ecosystems worldwide, and in Belize, it has been threatening the Belize Barrier Reef. Rising water temperatures have caused severe bleaching across the reef system near San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and at sites in southern Belize, including Laughing Bird Caye, resulting in significant coral loss. Due to the severity of coral bleaching, environmental groups such as Fragments of Hope (FOH) are intensifying efforts to monitor coral resilience alongside their ongoing out-planting programs.
Community and Society
The Operating Costs of Sargassum Harvesters: Hol Chan to Seek Private Sector Partnership
The ongoing challenge of keeping San Pedro’s downtown beaches free of sargassum seaweed has added a financial burden to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Through a loan, Hol Chan acquired two harvester machines designed to collect the seaweed at sea before it reaches the shoreline. However, operating the equipment has resulted in additional expenses totalling thousands of dollars. To sustain the initiative, the organization is now seeking greater collaboration from the private sector.
Conservation
CBA lifts stop order on Cayo Rosario over the water structures
The Central Building Authority (CBA) has lifted a stop order previously restricting the construction of over-the-water structures on the small island of Cayo Rosario, located off the northwest coast of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. With the stop order lifted, the project can now also include the construction of a pier (arrival dock). The original stop order, issued in April, cited the developers' failure to submit the required documentation and obtain the necessary building permits.
Community and Society
Island Coalition Demands Better Management of Marine Resources
A broad coalition of stakeholders from San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, issued a united call on Monday, June 23rd, urging both local and central government authorities to address what they believe is the ongoing mismanagement of Ambergris Caye’s marine natural resources.
