Welcome to the Belize Barrier Reef Watch!
We're documenting reef health and diversity...
...through the eyes of the Citizen Scientist in each of us!
We're so glad YOU are HERE!
WE WANT to identify HOPE SPOTS & RESILIENT REEFS by highlighting
the amazing finds that many stakeholders experience each day.
WE HOPE to engage stakeholders to share reports of their unique observations,
to learn about new ways to get involved, and to share their knowledge.
the amazing finds that many stakeholders experience each day.
WE HOPE to engage stakeholders to share reports of their unique observations,
to learn about new ways to get involved, and to share their knowledge.
How can you help?
The Belize Barrier Reef Watch Program recognizes the importance of the Belize reef ecosystems, the value to many stakeholders throughout Belize, and that many organizations and persons are involved in caring for this precious natural resource.
To acheive these goals, we have created several ways in which YOU can get involved!
Coastal residents
Fishers |
Tour guides
Resorts |
Dive & Snorkel Centers
NGOs |
Researchers |
Govt Departments too! |
Belize Barrier Reef Watch List
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We've identified 24 categories to monitor and document. This list includes marine life, marine debris, commercial fishery products, iconic megafauna, from the shore to the reef, through the Caribbean Sea, to the territorial borders of Belize. You can report on all categories, or select your favorites, the ones you are most passionate about, and share those reports!
At the end of each year, we will create the Belize Barrier Reef Watch Annual Report using YOUR reports!
One of our goals is highlight HOPE SPOTS, or RESILIENT REEFS, among the jewel that is The Belize Barrier Reef. |
Action Camera Program - Fishers in Science
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We launched a special program targeted towards commercial fishers, those who earn a living from the sea. Action Cameras are distributed to fishers so they can document their reefs! The fishers attend a training workshop and equipped with cameras to document the reefs they fish.
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The results were impressive. Participating fishers documented live pillar coral at Turneffe, hurricane damage along the main Barrier Reef, iconic sea turtles, sharks, crocodiles, parrotfish, healthy reefs, fields of Acroporids, long-spined black urchins, and lionfish, lobster and conch. They also documented the fisher way of life, on sailboats, skiffs and at sea.
Reef Champion Competition!
Please be reminded we are visitors under the sea and must not harrass marine life!
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Please consider helping us create an amazing 1st Annual Report by submitting the coolest sightings you may have already documented, or can document through March 1, and win a t-shirt or cap! Each month the most unique report and the best photo will be selected.
Do you hunt lionfish? Tell us how many you removed from a specific reef. Do you know your coral, or want to learn how to ID? Share your pictures from the reef and show us how your reef is doing! Are some coral bleaching, but others are not? We want to know! Are you a member of the "Sea Turtle Fan Club?" Send us your pictures to help document specific individuals on the reef! Male, female, the different species, and what juvenile species are are seeing on the reef! The Belize Barrier Reef is the Champion, and we are here to document the diversity, the stakeholders, the Reef. |
BE a Reef Champion! |
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WE'RE RECRUITING! Please consider getting involved and supporting reef conservation by submitting Watch List reports, Adopt A Reef, Adopt a Dive/Snorkel Site or Beach. Cull lionfish, document coral reef health and coral bleaching, and beach and underwater clean-ups to help keep the Belize Barrier Reef sparkly clean for our future generations! |
