Turneffe Atoll has been declared a marine protected area. Not just any protected area, but the largest marine reserve in the whole of Belize. A major victory and one in which I had the pleasure to be involved in as part of workshops with The Nature Conservancy, while working for the Oceanic Society at Blackbird Caye.
How I hope to see those big and beautiful Scarus guacamaia swimming once more in large groups at The Canyons. Thank you Belize Fisheries Department, local fishermen, Oceanic Society and Turneffe Atoll Trust!!!!!
Turneffe is a beautiful place, a unique mixture of mangrove, reef, seagrass beds and coral reefs, much in need of management following increases in ilegal fishing and plans for development. The atoll holds healthy populations of fish, mammals, birds and reptiles, inlcuding resident populations of bottlenose dolphins and saltwater crocodiles. It is a paradise for snorkelers, recreational fishers and anyone seeking to immerse into the beauty only Belize can offer. And now, you Betta Belize It!!! Turneffe Atoll has protection status and its beauty has just gotten a million more chances to remain for all of you and hopefully me, to one day once more see.
Enjoy some of my favorite vistas during my lucky and very happy years there.
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