Tag:
North Ambergris Caye
Environment
Hol Chan Marine Reserve begins monitoring seasonal sea turtle nesting sites
The sea turtle monitoring program at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve has begun and will continue until November. They anticipate egg clutches will appear on the beach this time of the year, as last year, the first turtle nest of the season was discovered on April 18, 2023. Due to that factor, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve team is now actively monitoring the island's northern beaches weekly to search for turtle nests or any activity. They have also started removing debris and cleaning up by picking up garbage and driftwood that could obstruct the turtles' path in known nesting areas.
Community and Society
North Ambergris Caye students assisted with transportation
To assist students living north of San Pedro Town and Ambergris Caye in getting to school, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has started providing a temporary transportation service while they work on a permanent transport project. This relief is for families living ten miles north of San Pedro Town who do not own a vehicle, as it is difficult to send their children to school in town. The transportation program has several students signed up; however, if other children in northern Ambergris Caye need this service, they can contact the SPTC at 226-2198 for more information.
Community and Society
Port in northern Ambergris Caye aims to alleviate traffic congestion in downtown San Pedro
To expand services across Ambergris Caye and alleviate the ongoing congestion in downtown San Pedro, Mayor Gualberto' Wally' Nuñez mentioned on Wednesday, August 9th the possibility of a port north of town is among the proposed future developments. He said this would serve as the delivery point for services and goods for northern Ambergris Caye without the need to transport these through the island's town core.
Community and Society
Northern Ambergris Caye sees an increase in turtle nesting activity
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s sea turtle monitoring program provided an update on the current turtle nesting season on Ambergris Caye on Thursday, August 3rd. According to the Hol Chan team, they have discovered 46 turtle nests, of which 25 have already successfully hatched. As they continue monitoring and recording the nesting season, they asked islanders visiting the northern beaches to be very cautious and, if possible, to avoid driving on the beach as these are the nesting grounds of the sea turtles.
Community and Society
Private sector helping to transport North Ambergris Caye students to school
Students in North Ambergris Caye will no longer struggle with transportation. For families living ten miles north of San Pedro Town, sending their children to schools in the downtown area has been especially difficult. Following an agreement between island businessman Walter Moreno and the local authorities (San Pedro Town Council), a solution has decided. The deal entails that Moreno’s company Elite Transfers, transports the students to and from their schools and, in return, is receives fuel assistance. Moreno is transporting 15 students from the northern community.
Accidents & Disasters
Accident leaves portions of north Ambergris Caye without power after driver crashes into light post
On Thursday, December 15th, a section of northern Ambergris Caye experienced a power outage after a motorist crashed his vehicle into a light post. According to reports, two children were in the vehicle at the time of the accident, but only one of them received minor injuries to the face, while the driver was observed bleeding from the side of his face. After both the children and the driver were treated, he was detained by police, fined, and released.
Community and Society
Golf cart theft a growing concern for rental companies; low police presence in area to blame
Over the past months, golf cart rentals in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, have reported a dent in their fleet due to the increase in cart theft. Some companies say the stealing has not slowed down, and it is primarily affecting clients staying in northern Ambergris Caye. As such, they ask the police to establish a more substantial presence in this part of the island.
Conservation
Sea turtle nesting in northern Ambergris Caye continues under threat from human activity
Over the past weeks, more sea turtle nests have been spotted on the beaches of northern Ambergris Caye. The nesting season, which lasts through November, primarily covers an area from Punta Azul to Robles Beach and the Rocky Point area. Every year a crew from the Hol Chan Marine Reserve monitors and records the nesting period and the challenges affecting the season. This includes human activity such as increased and careless vehicular traffic and improper disposal of garbage. Recently, residents have discovered destroyed turtle nests and eggs on the beach.
