Kirah Forman-Castillo, MSc

National Coordinator, Belize

Growing up in a fishing family, nurtured a love for the sea from an early age. The decision to pursue marine science came while volunteering out in Half Moon Caye, working closely with researchers on spawning aggregations affirmed that this was the direction she wanted to pursue.   While still completing her Bachelor’s in Biology at the University of Belize, she accepted the position of Biologist and began overseeing the monitoring work at Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Later she moved on to work within one of the most visited marine protected areas in Belize, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve where she spent the last 17 years as a biologist, and program supervisor. During her tenure with Hol Chan she obtained Master’s degree in Protected Areas Management and Eco-Regional Development from the University of International Cooperation, Costa Rica.  She has a passion for sea turtles and has led the sea turtle conservation efforts in Belize. She now serves as the National Coordinator for Belize working with Dr. Rachel Graham and the Belize team to implement MarAlliance’s vision for marine megafauna and their dependent fisher communities.