Back in June, the ERI, collaborating with the Oceanic Society with funding from the Mohamed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund and support from Belize Fisheries Department and UB students, carried out a baseline study of sea turtle distribution and abundance conducted at the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve (TAMR). The effort resulted in 86 turtle sightings of which 17 were captured, measured, tagged and released. Among the 17 captured was a female loggerhead (Caretta caretta).

Three species of sea turtles have been documented to inhabit coastal waters and nest Belizean beaches. These include: Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles. In Belize, sea turtle research is limited especially when looking at factors such as abundance, habitat use, connectivity, threats and impacts. The Turneffe Atoll is the largest of 3 offshore atolls and the most recent of Belize’s marine protected areas, de