Robles Point

Even though structures are not permitted in marine reserves in Belize unless proper permits are issued by the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD), a pier was built at Robles Point within the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve in northern Ambergris Caye. The construction of the dock in this UNESCO World Heritage Site has made many islanders unhappy, who continue to call on the respective authorities to enforce the law. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and the BFD are all aware of the situation, but little has been done to address the issue adequately.

The construction of a pier within the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve in northern Ambergris Caye has raised concerns among concerned residents who maintain that no such structures should be allowed in this sensitive marine area. The responsibility to manage these marine protected areas mainly falls on the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD), which plays a role in approving structures in sensitive marine areas. They know the situation and visited the site at Robles Point over a week ago with the local authorities to issue a Stop Order. Despite the order to halt any further construction, it has reportedly continued. As a result, the Fisheries Department is now looking at other alternatives to address the problem.

The current turtle nesting season continues to look good as members of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve are reporting hatchlings in the several nests discovered in northern Ambergris Caye. 44 nests have been found so far, a much lower nest count from previous seasons. Around this time of year, nests amounted to the 90s previously.

This year's theme for the annual Oceans Day is 'The Ocean: Life and livelihood.' In San Pedro, the sea is an essential source of livelihood for the fishing and tourism sector. Thus, the San Pedro Town Council, via its Councillor Johnnia Duarte, carried out the beach clean-up with the support of islanders Elito Arceo and Miguel Alamilla. The activity saw adults and children participating in what has become a constant attempt to keep the beach clean and the sea free of hazardous rubbish.

A group of island residents made it their task to clean up a popular beach area by Robles Point in northern Ambergris Caye filled with rubbish. Many of the discarded items are non-biodegradable and pose a threat to the delicate natural environment and the nesting grounds frequented by sea turtles each year. If this practice continues, it will tarnish the natural beauty of these beaches, and sea turtles may never return to nest. Persons visiting this area of the island need to do the right thing and not leave their garbage behind after picnicking.

The shooting victim airlifted to Belize City yesterday is identified as fisherman 42-year-old Matthew Jonathan Moses of DFC area, San Pedro Town. He was reportedly shot and stabbed over the weekend but did not receive medical attention until Monday, April 12th. Moses was rushed to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II with multiple wounds and later transported off the island for much-needed emergency treatment.

HCMR is uncertain about the success of the season this year and ask the general public visiting the beaches north of San Pedro Town to be extra cautious and to not interfere with any potential nests.

According to reports from the Ambergris Caye Marine Turtle Program, at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the 2017 turtle nesting season is looking bright.