Shark Conservation in Belize

In the heart of a Belizean fishing community, you will help a team of researchers and shark fishers monitor the relative abundance of shark species along the coast while learning about the innovative ways these two seemingly opposites have worked together to monitor and reduce shark landings.

Over the last decade, with the help of Earthwatchers, this expedition has helped monitor shark populations in and out of marine reserves around the island cayes of Belize. Resulting data contributed to the worldwide project Global FinPrint, led by shark expert Dr. Demian Chapman, and has helped increase and improve protected areas for sharks around the country’s remote atolls. Now, as the atolls have become protected and our monitoring indicates an increase in abundance, we are undertaking our next research objective: monitoring the relative abundance of shark species along the coast. 

This expedition is as much a cultural experience as a scientific one. You will be hosted by a fishing family and fed delicious, homemade Belizean cuisine while integrating into the hustle and bustle of a working fishing community as we team up with local fishers to conduct our surveys. Primarily surveying at night, you’ll experience the serenity of being on a moonlit ocean, where you will learn how to deploy the fishing gear and equipment used to catch, tag, and release the sharks.

When we aren’t fishing, we’ll explore the world’s first Jaguar preserve, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, go crocodile spotting at a nearby creek, clean the village’s public beach, and catch up on data entry and analysis. 

We believe successful, effective management and conservation come from the ground up and start with inclusivity. Working with fisherfolk to achieve research objectives has reduced fishing pressure on sharks by diversifying fisherfolk income. It has increased community engagement in science, shark conservation, and fisheries management. Join our team to discover what makes this community so special while enjoying all the beauty Belize has to offer.