In 2012, we aimed to continue working on our core mission to conserve sharks through research and monitoring augmented by outreach, education, training and capacity building, and policy support. We
specifically set out to conduct:

1. Annual monitoring of elasmobranchs at Lighthouse Reef Atoll and capacity building of new partners
2. Create a fisheries-independent baseline for sharks and rays in Northern Belize
3. Assess the effectiveness of MPAs in the protection of marine megafauna throughout Belize using multiple survey methods
4. Raise awareness for marine megafauna conservation in the public and specific sectors (fishing, academic, conservation community)
5. Support the development of regional and international policies favoring the effective management of elasmobranchs.