Mangroves: The Secret Guardians of Belize’s Fisheries
Tangled roots rise from the water, creating a labyrinth of life beneath the surface. For juvenile fish, these coastal forests are more than just trees – they are sanctuaries, nurseries, and a foundation for sustainable fisheries. Mangroves are vital in Belize, where the economy and culture are deeply intertwined with the sea. Yet, these critical habitats face mounting threats from coastal development, pollution, and climate change.
To safeguard these invaluable ecosystems, we have launched an innovative project: Mangrove Habitat for Juvenile Fish Recruitment: Building Local Knowledge and Capacity. This initiative aims to bridge scientific gaps and empower local communities with the knowledge and tools needed to protect and restore Belize’s mangroves. Funded by the UK Government’s Sustainable Blue Economies Programme Blue Social Challenge Fund (BSCF), this project is part of a broader effort to enhance climate resilience and economic sustainability of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) through better ocean management, poverty reduction/improved livelihoods and greater use of nature-based solutions.
CC: Rachel Graham/MarAlliance
Why Mangroves Matter?
Mangroves play a crucial role in protecting shorelines from erosion, sequestering carbon, and providing essential nursery habitats for commercially and ecologically important fish species. Without these underwater forests, many fish populations would struggle to replenish, ultimately impacting the livelihoods of thousands of Belizeans who rely on healthy fisheries.
Despite their importance, mangroves in Belize have suffered significant losses over the past two decades, threatening not only marine biodiversity but also the stability of coastal communities. That’s where this new initiative steps in.
CC: Rachel Graham/MarAlliance
A Science-Driven Approach to Conservation
To truly understand the impact of mangrove loss on fish populations, MarAlliance is employing cutting-edge research methodologies, including environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. This advanced technique allows scientists to detect the presence of fish species simply by analyzing water samples, offering a non-invasive way to study biodiversity in mangrove habitats. The data collected will be instrumental in strengthening Belize’s fisheries management strategies and shaping future conservation policies.
But science alone isn’t enough. Conservation efforts thrive when local knowledge is woven into research and decision-making. That’s why this project actively engages university students, fishers, and coastal communities, ensuring that those who depend on the ocean most are equipped with the expertise to protect it.
Community-Led Conservation
One of the most unique aspects of this initiative is its participatory approach, rather than conducting research in isolation. Through targeted training sessions and hands-on fieldwork, participants gain valuable skills in monitoring mangrove health and fish recruitment patterns.
High Commissioner Christine Rowlands emphasized, “By funding this project, we are supporting work that enables local communities and fishers to contribute data needed for the sustainable management of Belize’s beautiful mangrove forests and juvenile fishes. This in turn contributes to improved livelihoods of fishers, sustainable fisheries, and builds climate resilience of coastal communities.”
“Our mangrove-based fisheries work illuminates the critical role of these ecosystems as vital nursery habitats, bridging scientific inquiry and community knowledge to quantify and protect juvenile fish populations,” says our Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Rachel Graham. “With profound gratitude to the British High Commission, MarAlliance is transforming local fishing insights into evidence-based strategies that support small-scale fishers adapting to unprecedented environmental challenges along Belize’s vulnerable coastal shorelines.”
CC: Pete Oxford/MarAlliance
Strengthening Belize’s Coastal Resilience
This project doesn’t just aim to study mangroves – it aims to drive meaningful change. By equipping fishers and local biologists with the tools to assess and advocate for these habitats, MarAlliance is fostering a new generation of ocean stewards. The initiative’s findings will be compiled into a publicly accessible scientific report, offering crucial insights into how mangroves support biodiversity and fisheries productivity.
Ultimately, this work supports a broader vision: a Belize where coastal ecosystems are valued, fisheries are sustainable, and communities are resilient in the face of climate change. With the support of the UK Government’s Sustainable Blue Economies Programme Blue Social Challenge Fund (BSCF), this initiative is a step forward in ensuring that Belize’s mangroves – and the marine life they support – continue to thrive for generations to come.
