BRDP

15th May 2007

Press Release

Is Belize An Unrecognised Hot Spot For Whale Watching?

For many, Belize sounds like a far flung exotic destination, but few can put their finger on its exact location and think of a reason to spend a holiday there. Those that do know its location are unlikely to be aware that its coastal and offshore waters could offer enthusiasts a myriad of marine wildlife experiences and with careful management, could become a well known destination for responsible marine ecotourism.

To help understand the marine environment around Belize and the jewels to be found in its waters, Marinelife, a UK based national marine conservation research charity, has instigated a marine research project around the Belize City coastline, due to commence in May 2007.

Clive Martin, Marinelife Director, Chairman and Senior Wildlife Officer, who will lead the research effort, said “Very little is known about the diversity of marine wildlife within the waters off Belize, yet it is known that there are some local marine wildlife based viewing trips in operation.”

Marinelife’s planned research has received special permission from the government of Belize, who have declared the region a marine protected area, an important move aimed at protecting the welfare of the marine ecosystem. The research will investigate whale and dolphin abundance within the region using standard survey protocols, the occurrence of other large marine species such as Whalesharks and the potential impact the local operators could be having on the wildlife occurring around the reef systems and in offshore waters.

Dr Tom Brereton, Marinelife Director and Chief Scientific Officer said “It is hoped that the planned research will help in the development of tourism protocols which will make the developing industry sustainable for the future welfare of both the local human and marine animal populations.”

Marinelife will be meeting with representatives of the Belize government with responsibility for fisheries during the research visit to reinforce the importance of maintaining the moratorium on commercial whaling which will once again be discussed at the forthcoming International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting. As a country with a large coastline and potential for a great diversity of marine wildlife, the Belize vote at the IWC meeting will be important to the future of Whales and Dolphins globally. The research conducted by Marinelife will help inform the government of the value of protecting this precious natural resource for their local economy.

For further information on Marinelife please contact Adrian Shephard, Public Relations & Publicity Officer, at adrian.shephard@marine-life.org.uk or visit the website at www.marine-life.org.uk.

Notes for editors:

1. Marinelife has been monitoring whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine life in the English Channel and European Atlantic continuously for twelve years through one of its main projects, the Biscay Dolphin Research Programme (BDRP). Data from such long-term surveys give an accurate picture of changes in the status of whale and dolphin populations and their behaviour within the survey areas. They also highlight threats they face over time.

Marinelife is supported by a team of volunteer researchers and has been operating from commercial vessels to facilitate its ongoing research work for over 12 years. The research and education roles of Marinelife assist in the conservation of these sea mammals.

2. Belize has a population of around 290,000 and is located on the east coast of Central American, bordering the Caribbean Sea, Mexico and Guatemala. The country has 240 miles of coastline and boasts the 2nd largest barrier reef in the World at 175 miles long.

3. The International Whaling Commission was set up in 1946 to administer the convention which governs the conduct of whaling throughout the World. There are currently 74 member counties, who meets annually – the next meeting (59th) is in 28th – 31st May 2007 in Anchorage, Alaska. The continued support of non-whaling nations is vital to ensure the maintenance of the international moratorium on commercial whaling.

4. Further details about the research of Marinelife can be found at www.marine-life.org.uk. The Marinelife Directors are Clive Martin, Senior Wildlife Officer and Chairman and Dr Tom Brereton, Chief Scientific Officer.

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