Global Conservation Launches MPA Protection for Turneffe Atoll, Belize

A land and seascape consisting of a network of highly productive flats, creeks, and lagoons dotted by more than 150 mangrove islands, Turneffe Atoll in Belize is home to more than 500 species of fish, 65 species of stony corals, sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, seabirds, and other wildlife. This is one of the most important and pristine marine ecosystems in the Mesoamerican Reef, and also serves as a model for other coastal and island MPAs.

Its diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems are considered to be globally outstanding. Surrounded by deep ocean, most coastal and marine ecosystems are well-represented, with seven broad ecosystems and thirteen fine ecosystems identified and mapped.

Photo courtesy TASA.

Turneffe is an excellent example of the high degree of ecosystem interconnectivity that is key for healthy, productive reef systems with reefs, seagrass and mangroves all growing in close proximity. 

Within the conservation zone of the Marine Reserve, commercial fishing is not allowed. No-take recreational activities, such as snorkeling, SCUBA diving, and kayaking are permitted within this zone. Sport fishing is allowed but only with a valid license, and only as catch and release. 

Global Conservation is supporting the deployment of Marine Monitors on the North and South ends of Turneffe Atoll to provide 24/7 monitoring for real-time response to potential illegal activities – both day and night.

The M2 system has been deployed at the Caye Bokel base, a private property overseen by Turneffe Atolle Sustainability Association (TASA) personnel to monitor the four types of vessels authorized in the marine reserve. Alerts of potential illegal activities along with photos and videos are sent to the Director and Head of Protection, ensuring threats can be quickly evaluated and ranger teams can respond quickly.

The Marine Monitor being installed on Turneffe Atoll. Photos courtesy TASA.

In 2020, 1139 vessels were seen, averaging 3.12 per day. 41.7% of the sightings were inspected and ten illegal activities were detected, with confiscations carried out and fines imposed. 

Turneffe Rangers now conduct regular and strategic patrols using SMART and have begun the deployment of drones as well as vessel monitoring systems with voluntary fishermen.

Patrol Effectiveness

• Number of M2 Alerts: 277
• Number of Patrols: 168 (1 every 2-3 days)
• Total length of Patrols: about 5450 nautical miles
• Average per patrol: 32.6 nautical miles
• Sightings: 1139, averaging 3.12 per day 
• Inspections: 474, 41.7% of the sightings
• Wildlife Confiscations: Five confiscations of spiny lobster (121 kg), five confiscations of ciguatoxic fish species (57 kg)
• Prosecutions: Ten fines of CUP$5000 each

Venomous lionfish, originally from the Indian Ocean, are invasive in the Caribbean and wreak havoc on native fish populations in places like Turneffe Atoll. The Turneffe population is being surveyed and culled.