When a massive hammerhead shark, nearly as long as their boat, emerged from the crystal waters off Belize’s coast, it wasn’t marine biologists who were leading the tagging operation – it was local fishermen, their hands trembling with excitement as they worked to secure a satellite tag on the magnificent creature. This scene, described by Kirah Forman, Belize National Coordinator of MarAlliance, perfectly captures the organization’s innovative approach to marine conservation. Building a Community-Led Conservation Model Since the late 90s, before the organization was officially established, the dedicated people behind MarAlliance have been leading efforts to safeguard endangered species and critical habitats through marine research, with local fishers at the forefront. Their focus: understanding and protecting marine megafauna – the ocean’s gentle giants like sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Through monthly monitoring expeditions, these fisher-conservationists help gather crucial data that inform marine protection policies. The organization now works with over 30 fisher partners, many of whom have become conservation leaders in their own communities. “These guys have become stewards,” Forman shares proudly. “They’re the ones out there training other fishers, giving presentations, and leading education initiatives. We’ve seen it handed down from father to son.” Success Stories: From Fishing Nets to Conservation Leadership In one inspiring case, a seasoned fisherman joined the program and introduced his son, who has since become a core team member. Supported by MarAlliance, the young fisher is pursuing further education while continuing his conservation work. He also recruited a friend, extending the ripple effect of conservation education within his own community. Another fisher was recently elected to the executive board of a local fishing cooperative. “Watching these guys go from fishers to leaders within their communities is one of our greatest achievements,” says Kirah. “It’s an incredibly proud moment for us to see them grow.” As these fishers continue to step into leadership roles within their communities, they’re also ensuring that conservation efforts will have a lasting impact. Measuring Success: A Decade of Data At sites like Lighthouse Reef Atoll, where over a decade of consistent monitoring using multiple methods including baited remote underwater video (BRUV) has yielded invaluable insights, the impact is clear. “We’re seeing increasing shark numbers, not just in quantity but in species diversity,” Kirah notes. “We’re excited to observe lemon sharks returning to areas where they haven’t been seen in years.” These long-term datasets are proving instrumental in validating conservation policies. “Because we have been consistent in our work and methods used, we can now tell the government that their policies are working,” Kirah explains. “The two-mile protection radius around the atolls, the ban on gillnets – our data shows these measures are effectively increasing biodiversity and protecting these marine species.” Facing New Challenges: Climate Change and Disappearing Species As climate change adds new challenges to marine conservation efforts, the value of long-term monitoring becomes even more apparent. Temperature changes and their impacts on marine life can only be understood through consistent observation over time. The disappearance of whale sharks from their usual feeding grounds around Gladden Spit Marine Reserve serves as a stark warning. These gentle filter-feeders captivate divers, snorkelers, and conservationists, reaching lengths of up to 60 feet, and were once the cornerstone of a thriving ecotourism industry. “We know whale sharks aren’t there in Gladden Spit anymore, which was a huge tourism income generator for local communities,” reflects Kirah. “But the bigger question is: why? And what does their disappearance tell us about the health of our ocean?” Sustainable Funding: The Key to Long-Term Success Through a crucial BZ$652,342 grant from the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund), MarAlliance continues its vital research. “Monitoring is expensive,” explains Kirah. “We have to pay our fisher partners, support our team, fuel our boats – so investment such as these are important to help us continue our work to understand crucial trends in marine biodiversity, we simply couldn’t do this work without funding.” Yet the challenges of securing long-term funding persist. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Kirah emphasizes. “With species that live in the slow lane – those that don’t reproduce or grow quickly – you often need more than ten years to understand trends. But many donors want quick results.” Looking Ahead: A Vision for Ocean Rewilding MarAlliance’s vision extends beyond data collection to practical application. “If this research isn’t informing policy, then it wouldn’t make sense,” Kirah emphasizes. “Our mission is rewilding the ocean. We want to see more sharks, more fish, more turtles, more biodiversity.” As this work continues – monitoring, understanding, and protecting the marine ecosystems that sustain both wildlife and communities, one question remains: will we commit to supporting marine conservation needed to ensure the survival of these species before it’s too late? The future of Belize’s marine treasures – and the communities that rely on them – depend on the answer.
