Monday, December 2, 2024
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Janelle Chanona

Oil rig spotted in Belizean waters raises concerns; Government says it’s was here to replenish stores

The sight of an oil rig near Ambergris Caye on Thursday, June 1st was cause for much concern across the island and the country. To dispel any rumors, the Belize Port Authority (BPA) quickly issued a release explaining that the rig, identified as the Semi-submersible drilling unit MV ‘Frida 1’, is in Belize to replenish stores and is not authorized to conduct any other activity while in Belizean waters. On December 29, 2017, the Government of Belize passed a law banning oil exploration in its territorial waters; however, Belizeans remain vigilant and strongly oppose this idea as it could jeopardize industries like tourism and fisheries.

Oceana Belize recognizes Dr. Rachel Graham and Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts 2022 Ocean Hero Awardd

Marine conservationist Dr. Rachel Graham, well known in San Pedro Town and throughout Belize, was one of the recipients of Oceana Belize's Ocean Hero 2022 award. The other champion of the sea awarded with the prestigious recognition was marine ecologist Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts. The extraordinary Belizean professionals were recognized at the 12th annual award ceremony that was held virtually on Thursday, September 29th. 

Belize Network of Non-governmental (BNN) incorporates new Board of Directors that will lead on good governance agenda

Since 2016, the Belize Network of NGOs (BNN) has been the unified voice of Non-Governmental Organizations in Belize, advocating for good governance to achieve sustainable human development. On, July 22nd, 2022, the BNN was officially incorporated under the Companies Act. The new Board of Directors, duly elected by BNN members, has been officially installed. The new Board of Directors will serve from 2022-2024 and individually bring a wealth of diverse backgrounds and professional experience in collective service to strengthen the NGO coalition to advocate for good governance. The Board of Directors will also render critical support to the NGO Senator.

Oceana Belize releases first fisheries audit; more monitoring and enforcement needed

On Thursday, March 10th, Oceana Belize released its first annual Fishery Audit to show the status of important fisheries in the country. The report also evaluated the effectiveness of management measures already in place. The audit identified that despite significant government commitments and investments, limited monitoring and collection of fisheries data continues to undermine the effective management of Belize’s fish stocks and marine products.

Southern fishermen, Lowell ‘Japs’ Godfrey and Neville Smith, honored as advocates for the sea

On Wednesday, October 14th, Oceana formally recognized two outstanding Belizeans as the 2020 Ocean Heroes during its first-ever virtual award ceremony. This year’s winners are Placencia fisher turned seaweed farmer, Lowell Godfrey and Punta Gorda fisher and businessman, Neville Smith.

Ban on Gill-nets must be Decisive

"Without meaningful longevity, potential success will be undermined and fishers will be shortchanged"

GOB turns down financial package for gill net transition, sets new regulation for fishing licenses

The Government of Belize (GOB) announced on Thursday, December 5th its intention to control and eventually phase out the use of gill nets in Belizean waters over the course of two years.

2019 Oceana Belize Ocean Hero Awardees are fisher folks Guadalupe Lampella and Dale Fairweather

At the seventh annual Ocean Hero Award ceremony organized by Oceana in Belize, two outstanding Belizeans received the prestigious Belize Ocean Hero Award on Saturday, October 5th, in Belize City. This year’s winners are fisherman and sea advocate, Dale Fairweather from Placencia Village and fisherwoman and avid diver, Guadalupe Lampella from Riversdale Village in Stann Creek District.