Shark and Ray Conservation in Belize

By learning more about sharks and rays and how they interact with the world around them, show people why these creatures deserve to be saved.

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, and you can get in on the ground floor. 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—and visit some of the most beautiful reefs on Earth.

Location

South Water Caye, Belize

Cost

$3995

Includes all accommodation, meals, transfers, insurance and research activities

Duration

8 days

Dates

Update October 15 2021: As overseas travel restrictions and covid requirements are not fully finalised, our overseas expeditions are not yet back on sale from Australia. We appreciate that people are as keen as we are to travel and we will facilitate these amazing experiences again as soon as possible. In the meantime, please refer to our Australian experiences.

Activity Level

Moderate

Lead Scientist

Demian Chapman

Latest

Workshops

Focusing on two areas, Climate Action and Wetlands, your school can host workshops with Earthwatch program managers.
ClimateWatch

ClimateWatch is a program that aims to understand how changes in temperature and rainfall are affecting the seasonal behaviour of Australia's plants and animals by monitoring changes in flowering times, breeding cycles and migration movement. Simply by snapping a photo in your backyard or local area, ClimateWatch gives every Australian the opportunity to get involved in collecting and recording data that will help shape the country’s scientific response to climate change.
Tiny Forests

Urban forests play a critical role in maintaining the health and liveability of cities, increasing a city's resilience. Earthwatch Australia is partnering with researchers and social enterprises across Australia to deliver tiny forests, an accelerated and intensive planting process to bring biodiversity back into our cities.
Wetlands not Wastelands

In partnership with Coca Cola Australia Foundation, the Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, and Plastic Collective, Earthwatch provides training to 20 CLCAC Indigenous Land and Environment Rangers and 30 community volunteers to help deliver a first-of-its-kind marine pollution and wetland management program in the Lower Gulf of Carpentaria.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it impacts the Earthwatch community.
Project Manta Ningaloo Reef

Help collect samples and identify the microscopic food items in the waters around Ningaloo Reef to evaluate changes in the Manta Ray’s food web.
Protecting the Reef's Coastal Frontier

Take part in one of the longest running mangrove forest studies in Australia and help us protect both the mangroves and the coral reefs that rely on the healthy functioning of these coastal habitats.
Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef

Help Earthwatch scientists in active recovery efforts on and around Magnetic Island on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Turning the Tide on Plastic Pollution in Bali

Indonesia is the second largest contributor of plastic debris globally, largely driven by lack of access to waste management infrastructure. By joining forces with Plastic Collective, Sea Communities, Southern Cross University and TK Maxx, we have collectively implemented a community-run circular economy solution for Les Village waste management. Members of the public help with monitoring the impact the program is having on plastics in the local environment.
Amazon Riverboat Exploration

Help conserve wildlife within the Amazon Basin, while seeking pink river dolphins, primates, macaw, caiman, giant river otters, piranha and exotic fish.
Bird Songs of the Olympic Peninsula

Hike through the vast wilderness of the Olympic Peninsula while helping researchers explore the balance between community wellbeing and conservation of wildlife habitat.
Climate Change & Caterpillars in Costa Rica

Help scientists untangle the complex relationships between caterpillars, the plants they eat and the changes in climate that will reshape the rainforest.
Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge

Shrinking sea ice, retreating glaciers, a tree line migrating farther North, and less snow that melts earlier—uncover what these climate-related changes mean for the Arctic and all of us.
Climate Change in the Mackenzie Mountains

Scientists expect to see the greatest effects of global warming in the Arctic. Discover what these effects might be and the impacts on this awe-inspiring landscape and all of us.

Save the Reef and Oceans

From biodiversity and food supply to the livelihoods of millions, so much depends on our oceans. Coral reefs are home to one quarter of all life in the oceans, and provide humans with immense benefits such as coastal protection, fisheries, and tourism.
Global Impact

Earthwatch is committed globally to inspiring action for a net positive impact on the environment.
Plastic Pollution Solutions

By 2050 it is predicted there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. We need to act now to stop plastics entering our oceans and we can't do it without your support.
Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef

Help Earthwatch scientists in active recovery efforts on and around Magnetic Island on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Why It Matters

The global climate crisis is the most pressing environmental challenge humanity now faces. Earthwatch can help you be a part of the solution and together we can keep ahead of climate change.
Protect our Unique Wildlife

Australia is renowned for its unique wildlife, with more than 70% of our species found nowhere else on earth. We can stop the decline of our wildlife by helping people reconnect with nature.
Save the Bees

Global honey bee populations are decreasing at an alarming rate. To understand and prevent colony collapse, Earthwatch is putting tiny ‘backpacks’ on our bee friends to find out more about them.
Expedition Team Leader

Do you have a passion for science, biodiversity and education? We are looking for an Expedition Team Leader for our Bush Blitz Expedition at Fowlers Bay.
ClimateWatch

ClimateWatch is a program that aims to understand how changes in temperature and rainfall are affecting the seasonal behaviour of Australia's plants and animals by monitoring changes in flowering times, breeding cycles and migration movement. Simply by snapping a photo in your backyard or local area, ClimateWatch gives every Australian the opportunity to get involved in collecting and recording data that will help shape the country’s scientific response to climate change.
Corporate Sustainability

Earthwatch helps businesses understand their environmental impacts, build resilience and demonstrate leadership in sustainability.