Where We Work
Global Issues Require Global Efforts
We start small and generate a proof of concept for our demand driven work to understand and protect large marine wildlife. Following success and local demand or need, our research and conservation initiatives are scaled up with in-country partners through careful replication and adaptation to new sites and conditions. Registered in the US as 501(c)3 and in Belize and Panama as a non-profit, MarAlliance has a strong regional focus in Central America and the Caribbean.
Our Focus Areas
The Mesoamerican Region, stretching along the coasts of southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, is a marine conservation priority and home to the Mesoamerican Reef – the second largest barrier reef in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
This vibrant reef system supports an incredible diversity of marine life, sustains local fisheries, and protects coastlines from storms.
The region’s coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs, are vital for biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions.
However, they face growing threats from climate change, pollution, and overfishing, making ocean protection and sustainable marine management more urgent than ever.
Belize
With 24 years of country-based experience working with large fish, turtles, fisheries, and the tourism sector in Belize, MarAlliance’s work with large iconic marine wildlife began here.
Mexico
We have established permanent sites where we conduct standardized long-term monitoring of coastal and reef-associated marine megafauna.
USA
We assessed the spatio-temporal use of the banks by manta rays using photo ID, acoustic and satellite tagging in the Gulf of Mexico
Panama
We conduct research and outreach in several sites along the Caribbean and the Pacific including the indigenous Guna Yala Comarca, where we work with local fishing communities
Honduras
Working locally with traditional fishers, coastal and indigenous communities, we focus on generating information necessary for management and decision-making through collaborative research and monitoring, capacity building, income diversification, and outreach.