Tag:
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Community and Society
BTB partners with “Dr. of the Flats” to train San Pedro tour guides
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB), in collaboration with trainer Omar Arceo, known as “Dr. of the Flats,” launched the first adult fly-fishing training course for licensed tour guides in San Pedro, Belize. The six-day program ran from March 3rd to March 14th, culminating in an informal certificate presentation and dinner held at La Mulata Backyard Eatery on March 14th at 7:30PM. Ten participants completed rigorous training sessions to expand their professional skills.
Conservation
Barge Activity Near Mexico Rocks Raises Environmental Concerns
Barge activity near the Mexico Rocks protected area in northern Ambergris Caye has once again drawn public concern, months after a controversial dredging project in the area came under heavy scrutiny. The dredging initiative, approved in June 2025, was intended to facilitate the passage of barges transporting construction materials and other goods. At the time, tourism stakeholders and environmental advocates questioned the decision, arguing that the area is environmentally sensitive and that such activity could jeopardize coral formations within the nearby marine reserve.
Politics and Government
UDP Senator Zetina Raises Concerns at San Pedro Press Conference
Senator Gabriel Zetina of the United Democratic Party (UDP), along with members of the UDP Belize Rural South team, held a press conference in San Pedro Town on February 17, 2026. The event was held at Zetina’s office at Fido’s Courtyard, with speakers addressing pressing governance and environmental concerns. Key speakers included Zetina, Caye Caulker resident Samira Martinez, and former Area Representative Manuel Heredia.
Conservation
Hol Chan Secures Title to Mangrove Lands South of Ambergris Caye
Following public concern raised in September 2025 over the alleged subdivision of parcels of land south of Ambergris Caye in the Boca Ciega Area within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the office of Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez intervened to address the issue. Months later, on February 2nd, Perez’s office announced that the parcels in question, 11 in total, had officially been issued land titles in the name of the marine reserve.
Conservation
Local authorities say heavy equipment transported to north Ambergris Caye has no permits
Following images shared on social media on Thursday, January 22nd, showing heavy equipment being transported to northern Ambergris Caye, the Office of the Area Representative, Honorable Andre Perez, and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve submitted reports to several environmental government authorities, including the Prime Minister. According to officials, the transportation of the construction equipment was carried out without the proper permits or authorizations. On Friday, January 23rd, Perez said the individuals responsible for transporting the equipment were unable to produce any permits, and as a result, the equipment must be removed from the area.
Community and Society
Sargassum Harvesters Prove Useful, but Community Partnership Still Needed
Record-breaking sargassum blooms affected coastal communities across Belize in 2025, including San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. According to regional data, more than 37.5 million tons of the brown seaweed were recorded in the Caribbean this year, placing heavy strain on shoreline management efforts nationwide.
Community and Society
ACCSD Calls for Transparency and Community Engagement on Hol Chan and Other Development Issues
A public meeting was held on December 16th at the San Pedro Lions Den to discuss concerns surrounding unsustainable developments and the management and protection of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The meeting, which brought together tour guides, tourism stakeholders, and other partners from the tourism sector, was organized by the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD). During the gathering, members expressed concern that certain decisions by island authorities are threatening both the marine environment and the livelihoods of those who depend on it. The group announced plans to engage local authorities at a follow-up meeting scheduled for next month.
Community and Society
For the love of the sea: Elito Arceo recognized as an Ocean Hero
Islander and long-time marine advocate Jose “Elito” Arceo has been honored for his dedication to the sea and his decades-long fight to protect Belize’s marine resources. The proud San Pedrano, along with fellow Belizean ocean defender Dennis Garbutt, received Oceana Belize’s Ocean Hero Award on December 4th. The recognition highlights the urgent need to safeguard Belize’s marine environment, and both honorees hope their work inspires the next generation of conservation advocates.