Shark and Ray Conservation in Belize

Belize’s barrier reef was once a refuge for sharks, but with the intrusion of fisheries, shark populations have been decimated. Help researchers make the reef a safe haven again by investigating how marine reserves affect shark populations.

With help from Earthwatchers, Dr. Demian Chapman and his team have already accomplished a lot for the sharks and rays of Belize. They've teamed up with fishermen and the government to strengthen shark fishing regulations (shark fins are a prized soup ingredient in some parts of the world), secured protected status for all rays nationwide, and helped increase and improve protected areas for sharks.

These wins have taken their research into an exciting new phase. Join in groundbreaking efforts to monitor shark and ray populations in and around three protected areas, working with shark fishermen employed to tag sharks instead of landing them! Your participation will provide key scientific information need for conservation and it will also directly save thousands of sharks every year by providing an alternative livelihood for shark fishers. Teams will also help track the species of sharks that fisherman catch using fin samples, and will also document the species of rays that populate the waters. Your work will help protect the coral reefs of Belize and the captivating predators that call them home.

From a boat under the Caribbean sky, your team will deploy baited remote underwater video cameras (BRUVs) to learn what’s happening in the water. Teams will catch sharks and rays and apply tags that will allow researchers to track their movements in relation to protected area boundaries– a critical part of assessing how well the protected areas are working. Help save some of the world’s most fascinating creatures, while visiting some of the most beautiful reefs on Earth.

Volunteer Duties:

CATCH AND STUDY SHARKS AND STINGRAYS: Volunteers will fish for bait then set out long lines with biodegradable hooks to catch sharks and rays. The team will then take DNA samples, tag, measure, and implant transmitters before releasing them.

TRACK SHARK AND STINGRAY MOVEMENTS: Snorkel to locate acoustic receivers used for remote tracking and ensure that it is in working order. Along the way, locate and recover stingray and nurse shark tags.

BSERVE OCEAN LIFE: The team will set up BRUVs (baited remote underwater video cameras) at various spots in shallow water. From the field station, you'll analyze the video footage to see what sharks, stingrays, and other marine animals are up to.