Belize, renowned for housing the second-largest barrier reef in the world and three of the four atolls in the Western Hemisphere, is recognized as a hotspot for marine biodiversity and a vital area for ocean conservation efforts. 

At the heart of this marine paradise is Lighthouse Reef Atoll, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and captivating blue hues. This remote atoll, home to the iconic Blue Hole Natural Monument and Half Moon Caye Natural Monument – Belize’s first protected area – serves as MarAlliance’s flagship site and a cornerstone of our long-term marine conservation efforts in the region.

Monitoring Marine Megafauna

Since 2004, Lighthouse Reef Atoll has been a central focus of our extensive research on marine megafauna, including sharks, rays, sea turtles, and large finfish. Our monitoring approach integrates several techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of these species. We employ standardized longline surveys to collect morphometric data and track species, while Baited Remote Underwater Videos (BRUVs) offer insights into species diversity and behavior in their natural habitat. Satellite tagging complements these methods by providing detailed information on the movements and patterns of key species.

Our longline surveys have revealed a notable improvement in shark populations, with a 56% increase in abundance from 2014 to 2023. What may have led to this trend? The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a significant rise in shark populations, likely due to reduced fishing pressure. This positive trend has been further supported by Belize’s legislative measures, including the Gillnet Ban implemented in November 2020, and new shark protection laws enacted in 2021, which prohibit shark fishing within a two-nautical-mile radius of all atolls.

Insights from Satellite Tagging

Satellite tagging has been instrumental in providing critical insights into the movements of vulnerable and endangered species such as the lemon shark and the great hammerhead shark. Notably, some of the sharks we have tagged exhibited strong site fidelity, remaining in the same areas within the atoll since their tagging, highlighting the atoll’s importance as a critical habitat.

Our turtle tagging initiatives focus on studying the site fidelity and migratory patterns of sea turtles, with a particular emphasis on male Hawksbill and Loggerhead turtles. Unlike females, males do not return to land once they leave their nesting sites; this provides little opportunities to tag and study their movement patterns.

While some of the sea turtles tagged remained within the atoll, others undertook remarkable journeys. One female turtle, affectionately named Peggy, journeyed north to the Gulf of Mexico and then to the United States, capturing significant media attention. These findings raise important questions about whether turtles use Belizean waters primarily for foraging, mating, or as permanent habitats and underscore the importance of cross-border collaboration in marine conservation, as migratory species traverse national boundaries and are not limited in movement within a specific region of waters.  

Enhancing Field Operations and Local Engagement

This year we have expanded our team and trained five new fisher partners from various Belizean coastal communities. This initiative fosters knowledge exchange, with younger fishers learning traditional techniques from their elders while older fishers are introduced to advanced monitoring technologies. Additionally, we have installed a water tank to capture rainwater, ensuring a sustainable fresh water supply for our team throughout the dry season.

Belize’s Lighthouse Reef Atoll remains a vital area for marine conservation, and MarAlliance’s ongoing research and monitoring efforts are crucial in safeguarding its rich marine life. Through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches, we aim to ensure the continued health and sustainability of this unparalleled marine ecosystem.

Supported by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) through the BIOPAMA Programme, this project has significantly enhanced our data collection capacity and provided alternative livelihoods for local fishers.