Reef week 2019

by McNab Editorial Team March 7, 2019

written by McNab Editorial Team

Sixth Anniversary of Reef Week

It’s that time of the year again to celebrate the Barrier Reef. The theme of reef week 2019 is “stories of our reef, written as one… dis bond kyaahn brok!”. Reef week has been on since 2013 and will continue to be celebrated for a week of the year. Organizations come together to celebrate “Reef Week” by hosting a series of events. This fun week is filled with activities ranging from intense to relaxing, guaranteeing an enjoyable time.

Since the Barrier Reef is under threat and pressure from different elements, something needed to be done to protect our natural wonder. The Reef has always been something special to this country because of its beauty and significance to the people. As it relates to tourism and the fishing industry, the reef provides millions of dollars in income. To get the majority of the country to help and realize the importance toprotect the reef can contribute to a longer life span for the reef.

Reef week is a week full of fun events all contributing to the awareness of our national resources. Below is the schedule for reef week. Everyone is welcome to join and make this event successful.

Gill nets

There are many ways to help protect these resources so that our future generation can enjoy it. One way is to band the use of gill nets also known as “wall of death”. It not only affects the marine life but the Belizeans as well. In order to save our fisheries, it is best to outlaw gill net fishing in its entirety. Concerned Belizeans are doing their best to get all gill nets out of the water. The Government of Belize has recently opened a submission period for anyone that has information on gill nets in Belize waters. This form can make a big impact if everyone participates.The information will aid in making sound and informed recommendations as to the future of gill net use in Belize.

Submissions will end on March 29th. Attached are the details of the gill net submission form. The online submission form can also be found here.