It was billed as a Marine Adventure Experience, for the more than two dozen marine advocates, supporters and donors of the International NGO, Oceana. Accompanied by some of Belize's major media houses, today's destination, one of Belize's southernmost Marine Reserve known as Silk Caye was important not only because of its impressive pristine waters, but because it is one of only a few cayes in the country designated as a protected reserve for marine life.
The tiny spot on the map played host to a select group of avid divers, snorkellers and marine environmentalists, who are on a four-day tour in Placencia and surrounding areas. Oceana is an internationally known environmental advocacy group whose focus and scientific work has primarily targeted over-fishing and
the depletion of marine ecosystems. Today, the group was treated to snorkeling and scuba diving the pristine waters off the tiny island of Silk Caye. Senior Marine Biologist Dr. Michael Hirschfield discussed some of the threats to Belize's marine life.
Dr. Michael Hirschfield, Senior Marine Biologist
"I think it will take being more careful with development so that we don't destroy the mangroves and the fish nurseries around the edges of the ocean. It will also take being more careful about making sure Belize doesn't let foreign fleets come in and catch the fish and maybe be a little bit more careful in where we fish and how we fish. So maybe some less bottom trawling, maybe some more care with gill nets. Traditional fishing methods are good but you can't keep putting the pressure on the reef that it's had for the last couple of decades and expect it to be healthy."
I accompanied the group today and will have a full report on the days activities in tomorrow's newscast.
