July 2019 Update

General Objective:
Building compliance for marine resources management at Lighthouse Reef Atoll (MA Area 7), through increased surveillance, enforcement and engaging resource users in the decision making process.

Project Progress:
BAS worked with the Belize Fisheries Department to vet applications for Managed Access license for Lighthouse Reef Atoll (Managed Access Area 7). The vetting process was carried out during a meeting which saw the participation of fishers from Belize City, Chunox, and Copper Bank, along with representatives from the Belize Fisheries Department, BAS, and Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association. Twenty two applications were reviewed of which only six new fishing licenses were approved. During this reporting period, BAS maintained its enforcement presence within the protected area, by working with the Belize Coast Guard to conduct a number of joint operations patrols; this included 238 joint patrols within managed access area 7; 60 joint patrols throughout the entire Lighthouse Reef Atoll; and 3 joint operations and at Spawning Aggregation sites with the marine reserve. During these patrols BAS encountered and boarded with a total of 131 fishing vessels, engaging with a total of 340 fishers.

Belize Audubon Society-Managed Access Committee Vetting License Application for Lighthouse Reef Atoll (Area 7)

Additionally, BAS has also maintained its boat-to-boat session. During those sessions the BAS team engaged 72 fishers around the review of Managed Access catch log books, and Fisheries Regulation, answering any questions fishers may have, and training some fishers (approximately 41) in the use of scales and caliper for enhanced fishers dependent data collection. Finally, in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), BAS has created at data model designed for recording Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) data for lobster and conch, using the spatial monitoring and recording tool (SMART) platform. The organization purchased the devices necessary for upload of the SMART app, and since June 2019, has provided training to a small group of fishers (approximately 14 fishing vessels) on the use/piloting of the new SMART app for recording catch data.

Belize Audubon Society-Fisher on board the fishing vessel “Ericka” receiving training on the use of the new SMART app for recording catch data.

General Objective:
Supporting FoH’s reef restoration efforts at new and existing sites, while sustaining the monitoring of coral coverage by analyzing photo-mosaic data at key sites.

Project Progress:
During the life of this project FoH out planted 21,455 corals at its four target sites in southern Belize, namely Laughing Bird Caye National Park (LBCNP), South Silk Cayes, Moho Caye and False Caye. According to FoH, while the target of out planting 5,000 corals at each site was not met at South Silk Cayes—given an emphasis on direct outplanting of A. palmata micro-fragments versus the faster growing, nursery-reared A. cervicornis—the overall total target numbers were achieved.

FoH has been using photo-mosaics coupled with Coral Point Count software (CPCe) to measure changes in coral cover over time on six measured plots at LBCNP (2014-2018) and three measured plots at Moho Caye (2015-December 2017). According to FoH, notable findings has been at Launghing Bird Caye National Park (LBCNP), where five of the six plots now have 30->50% live coral cover from a baseline of < 6 %, and at Moho Caye (control unprotected site), where two of the three plots have tripled in coral cover in two years. On all but two of the nine measured plots coral cover has increased by >10%, with some sites increasing by as much as 15-20% annularly, without adding any additional corals. FoH further asserts that the two sites that did not show measurable increases were those hardest hit by Hurricane Earl in August 2016. However, all sites were unaffected by the extreme bleaching event in 2017, demonstrating thermal tolerance.

FoH also analyzed assemblages were assessed by visual census. The protocol design was meant to rigorously track and interpret changes in fish abundance and species composition over time in association with coral replenishment activities. According to FoH fish biomass values observed at LBCNP and on naturally regenerated cayes were high (>100g/m2), with the presence of large schools of blue tang, chub, and many large parrot fishes suggesting benefits of site protection within the areas where the replenished plots were placed at LBCNP.

General Objective:
To increase public awareness that will amplify knowledge of Belize’s marine resources, evoke behavioral change and build support for the national expansion of replenishment zones in Belize.

Project Progress:
Through this initiative, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has focused on increasing knowledge and promoting positive changes in the attitudes and behaviors of members of Belize’s fishing community. More specifically, Season 3 of the radio drama Punta Fuego and its complementary call-in show, Talking Fuego, aired 20 episodes. An impact survey to assess accomplishment of its knowledge, attitude, and behavior (KAB) goals revealed that listenership for Punta Fuego remained constant over the three seasons, while listenership for Talking Fuego increased notably during Season 3. Additionally, although listeners demonstrated an increase in knowledge regarding the benefits of replenishment zones (RZs) and positive behaviors, such as responsible fishing practices; surprisingly, the percentage of fishers who agreed that RZs should be expanded (in number and size), as well as those who believed there were benefits associated with RZ expansion had decreased over time.

To highlight the importance of MPA’s to Belize’s Conch Fishery, WCS also oversaw the development of a two-part news segment, “Conch Season in Danger of Premature Closing,” aired on News 5. The story covered the plight of the queen conch fishery within the Caribbean region. The central theme discussed in the segment was the lack of enforcement in Belize’s waters due to under-investment in enforcement agencies and the need for addressing illegal trans-boundary fishing. Through its Community mobilization campaign, WCS also conducted a boat to boat activity with fishers at GRMR to discuss issues related to MPA compliance, safety at sea and safety measures to reduce fishers’ vulnerability to criminals, and the promotion of Punta Fuego and Talking Fuego. While their community mobilization campaigns in Sarteneja, Belize City, Dangriga and Hopkins, served as a means to engage fishers in discussions regarding MPA compliance; safety at sea and safety measures to reduce fishers’ vulnerability to criminals; and the promotion of Punta Fuego and Talking Fuego.

In June 2019 WCS partnered with MCCAP to host the third annual Women in Fisheries Forum (WIFF). This year forum themed “Gender and the Ocean,” focused on climate change and its impact on the ocean and livelihoods. Hosted at Pelican Beach Resort in the beautiful fishing community of Dangriga, the forum saw the participation of over 35 women from 11 marine and inland fishing communities.

Women at WIFF learning about seaweed planting practices

Photo: WCS

General Objective:
Understanding the resilience potential of targeted Marine Protected Areas in Belize, through a “snapshot” resilience assessment.

Project Progress:

Over this reporting period, WWF concentrated its efforts on key interventions for advancing its goals under this project. The organization hosted a climate risk analysis workshop that allowed for the collecting of critical information such as priority climate change impacts and future risks to communities and ecosystem services; and benefits of ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) to support climate and ecosystem services analysis to guide adaptation efforts. While WWF’s efforts under this project is assisting in the carrying out of a snapshot economic impact assessment, during this session key representatives from the targeted MPAs were trained in the use of an economic impact tool so that they could in turn carry out economic impact assessments for their respective MPAs.

In collaboration with the University of Belize’s Environmental Research Institute, and researchers from ECOSUR/ERIS, WWF also hosted a remote sensing training workshop to train partners, including MPA staff, in capturing information using remote sensing imagery, primarily MODIS, to create SST and chlorophyll maps. According to WWF, this information is useful in its efforts to analyze physicochemical indicators (including temperature and nutrients) and the impact they have on reef ecosystems, including within MPAs as a component of this project. WWF also worked with targeted MPA managers (SEA, Hol Chan, TIDE, and SACD), APAMO and CZMAI to organize and execute a total of 5 stakeholder workshops in San Pedro, Placencia, Punta Gorda Town, Dangriga, and Corozal Town, to better understand livelihood threats, risk and vulnerabilities, and level of dependency on MPAs. While the climate and ecosystem risk analyses to inform the resilience assessment are still underway, WWF expects to share draft results with key stakeholders by convening a validation workshop later this year.

WWF hosting Climate Risk Analysis Workshop

General Objective:
Safeguarding the integrity of the Belize Barrier Reef System and its marine resources from the hazards of offshore oil development, and destructive gear such as gillnets.

Project Progress:

On May 18th, Oceana organized community events across Belize as part of the annual Hands Across the Sands event. Over two hundred individuals came together from across the country to join hands on beaches, across bridges, along seawalls, and other public areas to celebrate and commemorate the people and government of Belize’s bold stand in effecting offshore oil moratorium.

Oceana-2019 Hands Across the Sands event in Belize City.

Photo: Oceana

Additionally, Oceana worked with a number of partners to advance its efforts at addressing the issue of destructive fishing gear, with notable achievements. To strengthen incentives for responsible fishing practices, Oceana has been working with the International Development Bank (IDB) to develop a digital marketplace that would connect licensed fisherfolk with potential buyers via a smart phone app. According to Oceana, this marketplace would include digital advertising opportunities for fishers and buyers who participate in the Fish Right Eat Right (FRER) Program, being lead jointly by Oceana and other partners, and have voluntarily committed to abide by best practices for seafood harvesting and consumption. More broadly, Oceana has also garnered support via an online platform of fishers, tourism allies, restaurateurs, community leaders, and other members of the public for a ban on gillnets and other destructive fishing gear.

General Objective:
Addressing the need for improved management effectiveness, as identified and prioritized through site and systems level management planning for the Southern Belize Reef Complex.

Project Progress: While SEA has experienced some delay in project implementation owing to impediments in the importation of equipment for the installation of demarcation buoys around Laughing Bird Caye National Park (LBCNP), and Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve (GSSCMR), the organization continues to maintain its presence at these sites, having conducted 180 patrols at the above mentioned sites. The organization also continues to engage in educational outreach activities both in schools and within the community.

General Objective:
Using sound science and the integration of stakeholder data collection systems, to recommend and socialize new size limits for key commercial fisheries species in Belize.

Project Progress:

Throughout this reporting period, WCS has continued its work focused on involving members of fishing communities in the management of Belize’s small-scale fishing sector. Through the community landings data collection initiative, WCS continues to work with community members, fishers, and vendors, in conducting a national level analysis of marine product catch and community availability through June 2019. WCS conducted a 3-month pilot study to assist in the identification of a solution that would allow for the tracking of fishing vessels, as well as, the digital recording of fishers’ catch data. According to WCS, while the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) is not a suitable solution for the tracking of vessels given unreliable cellular connectivity across Belize’s fishing areas, it is useful for documenting fishers’ catch data. A total of 30 mobile devices equipped with SMART Connect and the Cyber Tracker software were distributed by WCS to 30 boat captains. A detailed analysis of the data collected will be provided at the end of this project.

Additionally, WCS continues to advance its efforts in the national roll-out of the Fish Right Eat Right (FRER) initiative. So as to sustain and increase buy-in for the FRER initiative among the 21 certified restaurateurs, return visits were conducted in Punta Gorda, Placencia, Hopkins, Dangriga, San Pedro, and Belize City. Introductory visits were made to Cayo, Corozal and Orange Walk. A list of best practices and fisheries regulations has also been presented to new restaurants in Cayo and the Belize district.

Proprietor of El Fogon with FRER Certificate.

Photo: WCS

General Objective:
Building on BAS’ existing environmental education and community outreach program activities specifically the youth focused Reef Protector Program(RPP).

Project Progress: In May 2019 BAS recruited 16 youths from St. Viator High School in the northern village of Chunox to its Reef Protector’s Program. BAS also conducted two meetings with RPP participants. The first meeting hosted on June 22nd was an inaugural meeting with parents and participants of the program hosted to discuss program objectives and calendar of event; while the second meeting the first in a series of eight sessions was one to set building blocks in enhancing knowledge in marine conservation amounts the participants—with meeting topics that included the importance of MPAs, plastic pollution (marine litter), its impacts on marine resources, and the national single-use plastics phase-out. From July 3rd- 5th BAS also conducted its first of three planned field visits for its Reef Protectors. This first trip allowed 15 participants and 3 parents the opportunity to visit Half Moon Caye and Blue Hole Natural Monument. Topics covered during this field trip included introduction to snorkeling, coral and fish identification, turtle nest monitoring and beach morphology, introductory bird identification and observation, and marine protected areas and their social and economic importance.

Reef Protectors Field Trip: Half Moon Caye Marine Reserve

Photo: BAS

In working to create awareness on phasing out of single use plastics and Styrofoam, in August 2019, BAS hosted two meetings targeting teachers from primary schools in Copper Bank and Chunox Villages to sensitize teachers about the project. The meeting saw the participation on 9 teachers who all welcomed the initiative and expressed their interest and commitment to supporting BAS’s the education activities. Finally, on July 28th and August 29th respectively, BAS hosted a Community Share Time and a Food Vender’s Workshop in the villages of Chunox and Copper Bank. The community event hosted under the theme “Phasing-out Single-use Plastics” saw a total of 40 participants. While the Food Vender’s workshop which saw a total of 18 participants, covered topics on plastic pollution, and its impacts on health and the environment, where workshop attendees participated in an engaging activity called “discovering garbage in your community”, and explored solutions and alternatives to single-use plastics for small business, individuals and communities.

Food Vendor’s Workshop attendees participating in “Discovering Garbage in Your Community” activity.

Photo: BAS

General Objective:
Inspiring and motivating the next generation of conservation leaders in Belize through youth engagement.

Project Progress: To date, EPI has successfully delivered three four-day field based learning courses to two high schools in southern Belize. In collaboration with the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE), EPI has engaged the Toledo Community College in Punta Gorda Town, and Agriculture and Natural Resources Institute (ANRI) in the Stann Creek District. The total number of participants on these courses was as follows: 33 from Toledo Community College including 29 students and 4 teachers; and 12 from ANRI, including 10 students and 2 teachers. Plans are also currently being drafted by EPI for the Youth Conservation Leadership Symposium to be held in November 2019.

EPI’s Field Course with ANRI at Payne’s Creek National Park

General Objective:
Detecting the recovery of depleted populations of marine megafauna at the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, using long-term standardized monitoring methods.

Project Progress: MarAlliance is in the inception phase of this grant and has purchased some of the equipment (radios, supplies, fishing gears) needed to conduct its field work in the first quarter of 2020. The organization has also secured the services of several fishers/boats and has started to arrange for the accommodations on the atoll for its field expedition—this is in line with previous establish timelines for collection of data.

General Objective:
Protecting Belize’s Antillean manatee population by gathering scientific data educating the public, and implementing conservation activities.

Project Progress: Sea to Shore Alliance has conducted its manatee captures and health assessment throughout in the Placencia Lagoon. During this activity, three captured individuals was equipped with satellite transmitters to gather further information and data on manatee travel corridors, feeding areas, habitat use and response to human disturbance.

Manatee Health Assessment in Placencia

Photo: Sea to Shore Alliance

The organization also conducted a tour guide workshop engaging 35 guides from Seine Bight were trained in manatee conservation, appropriate manatee-viewing procedures, and safety on the water in order to reduce negative impact to manatees through watercraft collisions. This training was hosted in collaboration with key partners including the Forest Department, and the Belize Tourism Board. Additionally, Sea to Shore Alliance continues in its efforts at conducting weekly patrols with the Belize Port Authority in Belize City to ensure boaters compliance with manatee safety rules and its monthly joint patrols with the Southern Environmental Association.

Manatee Tour Guide Training Seine Bight .

Photo: Sea to Shore Alliance

Building capacity of fishing stakeholders for participation in marine conservation, through education, public awareness and collaboration.

Using a combination of conservation awareness and skills training in biodiversity research and monitoring; BAS will engage a core group of (15) youths from the fishing communities of Chunox and Copper Bank in its Reef Protector’s Program. The organization will also work broadly within these communities to provide education and awareness around the topic of marine environmental protection and plastics pollution.

Engaging Belizean youths as the next generation of conservation leaders.

In its effort to create a cadre of Belizean youths who will become the next generation of conservation leaders, EPI engages secondary level students and their teachers in hands-on conservation and experiential educational activities. More specifically, through this initiative, EPI will inspire local youth—primarily from Belize City and the Toledo District—to become stewards of their environment, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and motivation to take an active, lifelong role in conservation.

Monitoring effectiveness of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve through long-term monitoring of marine megafauna.

By conducting standardized monitoring of marine megafauna at Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve (TAMR), through this project MarAlliance will gather the necessary data to assess whether populations of sharks and rays are rebuilding in comparison to baselines from 2014 – 2016; and the adequacy of current regulations for their protection and recovery in the TAMR.

Safeguarding manatees and community livelihoods in Placencia and Belize City through research and education.

Through this initiative Sea to Shore Alliance will gather scientific data that inform management strategies towards safeguarding Belize’s Antillean manatee population. More specifically, the organization will execute country-wide manatee aerial surveys, conduct manatee tracking and health assessments, and analyze past stranding data (2014 – 2018); to inform the completion of a comprehensive report, that provides technical and policy recommendations for enhanced protection of Belize’s manatee population.