Marine Ecosystems of Belize

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, at 1,000 km in length, is the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. The varied habitats of this reef system are home to a rich diversity of organisms, including a tremendous variety of fish, corals, and other marine invertebrates. Several species of sea turtles and rays, as well as other large fish species and the endangered queen conch, reside in the lagoon systems of the Belize Barrier Reef, while sponges, tunicates, and the odd-looking batfish inhabit coastal mangrove communities.

The coastal waters of Belize have been fished since the time of the Maya (300 B.C. to A.D. 900); however, tourism, coastal development, rising sea levels, and overfishing now threaten the Belize Barrier Reef, even as the Belizean government has implemented protective measures. Course participants will explore the biology, ecology, and history of the reef, lagoon, and mangrove systems of Belize, as well as the threats to these ecosystems and the ongoing efforts to protect and manage this incredible reef system.

Participants will spend several hours snorkeling each day, discovering the inhabitants of these systems, and each evening will conclude with discussions on select topics. The course will take place at the Belize Marine Tropical Research and Education Center (http://www.belizemarinetrec.com/), which has been advancing coral reef education and research for over 25 years. The facility includes a library, classrooms, Wi-Fi, a freshwater swimming pool, and a fleet of boats, and it is staffed by Ph.D. marine biologists, a registered nurse, licensed captains, and licensed tour guides.

The mainland component of the course will explore the history of the Maya and their long-lasting influence on Belizean culture. Students will visit mainland sites such as Clarissa Falls, the Maya temple of Xunantunich, St. Herman’s Cave, the inland Blue Hole, and the Belize Zoo.

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