Tag:
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Environment
Sea Turtle Nesting Season Off to Strong Start on Ambergris Caye
Following the discovery of the first sea turtle nest on April 28th, the number of nests recorded during this year’s Ambergris Caye nesting season has increased to 11 as of June 3rd. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR), which monitors nesting sites along the island’s northern beaches, continues its efforts to ensure a successful season. As part of those efforts, the reserve recently hosted a beach cleanup to remove debris that can pose obstacles for sea turtles attempting to reach their nesting grounds.
Conservation
Government Temporarily Halts Dredging in Sensitive Coastal Areas
Following outrage from activists and environmental groups across the country, including those in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, over what they describe as unsustainable development practices such as dredging, the government has decided to temporarily halt the activity in sensitive areas.
Community and Society
Community Volunteers Unite for Another Sargassum Clean-Up
A grassroots movement formed by a group of island residents known as San Pedro Citizens for Change (SPCC) continues to advocate for local needs through community action. The group recently organized another Sargassum clean-up effort in the downtown area. The latest campaign took place on Sunday, May 31st, when volunteers tackled a section of beach north of Central Park that had become nearly impassable due to large accumulations of the brown seaweed. SPCC thanked everyone who participated and stated that it plans to continue its clean-up efforts every other week, along with other community projects.
Community and Society
Students test reef knowledge at Hol Chan Reef Week trivia competition
Leilany Cruz of Isla Bonita Elementary School captured first place at the Hol Chan Reef Week 2026 Kids Trivia Competition held on Wednesday, May 20th, at the San Pedro Lion’s Den. After three rounds and two tie-breaker rounds, Adalee Novelo of New Horizon Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) School secured second place, while Justin Lara of San Pedro Roman Catholic (RC) School placed third. The event, hosted by Hol Chan Marine Reserve as part of its Reef Week activities, brought together 14 primary school students from San Pedro and Caye Caulker to test their knowledge of Belize’s marine environment.
Conservation
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Continues Reef Protection Efforts
As part of its ongoing efforts to protect Belize’s marine ecosystem and maintain safe access to popular tourism sites, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve team in San Pedro replaced damaged mooring buoys and pick-up lines on May 8th. The repairs come after a local tour guide reported missing and damaged equipment at several key locations, including Chato’s, Shark Ray Alley, Mexico Rocks, and Hol Chan. Rangers responded quickly, replacing six mooring buoys, two pick-up lines, and one demarcation buoy to help prevent reef damage caused by improper anchoring.
Environment
Sea Turtle Nesting Season Officially Begins on Ambergris Caye
The 2026 sea turtle nesting season has officially started in northern Ambergris Caye, with the first four nests confirmed by the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Over the years, Hol Chan has monitored sea turtle nesting sites along the island's northern beaches during the nesting period, which typically runs until November. However, human activities and natural challenges, such as the increasing amount of Sargassum, continue to threaten these nesting areas.
Community and Society
Belize Showcases Sustainable Diving at Beyond Blue Summit
The Beyond Blue Dive Summit, officially titled Beyond Blue: Belize’s Great Dive for Sustainability, was held from April 22nd to 25th, 2026, in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Hosted at Sunset Caribe Resort, the four-day event brought together international media, content creators, dive professionals, and conservation advocates. Organized by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), the summit featured guided dives at renowned sites such as the Great Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye Wall, the WIT Concrete Shipwreck, and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Participants explored Belize’s marine biodiversity while gaining insight into sustainable tourism practices.
Conservation
Fragments of Hope assesses coral nurseries at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
The northern team of Fragments of Hope, a Placencia-based conservation organization, joined staff from the Hol Chan Marine Reserve on Wednesday, April 22nd, to assess the progress of coral nurseries within the reserve. The full-day activity proved productive, with the development of the nurseries described as very positive.