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 filled with 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 fouling sponges and tunicates and the odd-looking bat fish inhabit coastal mangrove communities. The coastal waters of Belize have been fished since the time of the Mayans (300 B.C. to 900 A.D.) but now tourism, coastal development, and overfishing threaten the Belize Barrier Reef even as the Belizean government has implemented protective measures. Course participants explore the biology, ecology, and history of the reef, lagoon, and mangrove systems of Belize, the threats to these ecosystems, and the ongoing efforts to protect and manage this incredible reef system.

Participants spend several hours snorkeling each day, discovering the inhabitants of these systems and each evening conclude with discussions on select topics. The course runs at the Belize Marine Tropical Research and Education Center (belizemarinetrec.com), which has been advancing coral reef education and research for over 25 years. The facility has a library, classrooms, Wi-Fi, freshwater swimming pool, and a fleet of boats and is staffed by Ph.D. Marine Biologists, a
Registered Nurse, Licensed Captains, and Licensed Tour Guides. The mainland component of the course explores the history of the Maya and the long-lasting influence of the Maya on Belize culture. We also explore the mainland sites of Clarissa Falls, the Mayan temple of Xunantunich, St. Herman’s Cave, the inland Blue Hole, and the Belize Zoo.