Glover's Reef
Funding Opportunity!
Location Summary
This project will expand efforts for fisheries and habitat protection within the Belize barrier reef using cutting-edge technology. Despite concerted efforts to increase awareness of the rules and regulations of fisheries laws, MPAs, and improving overall compliance, IUU fishing still occurs. Marine species spawning aggregation sites (SPAGs), which are in remote areas declared as protected within or adjacent to MPAs, continue to be targeted by poachers despite specific protection mandated by law. By testing and introducing new technologies, conducting training, and strengthening capacity for monitoring and reporting, we will improve the detection of illegal activity and efficiency of patrols. This will increase the opportunities for on-water outreach or legal action as necessary, ultimately reducing through determent the number of infractions that harm or destroy Belize’s vibrant coral reefs.