– Press Release – Since officially opening its doors on November 16th, 2009, Oceana in Belize has achieved remarkable victories and established an enviable track record advocating for the protection and sustainable use of Belize’s marine patrimony. Notable among our successes have been a total ban on all forms of trawling within both our territorial seas and exclusive economic zone; the buyout of the trawler fleet and subsequent donation of the vessels for more sustainable and eco-friendly re-use; the People’s Referendum which allowed Belizean voters to weigh in on the question of offshore oil (to which Belizeans responded with an overwhelming “NO”); and challenging Government’s policies & decisions before the Judiciary of Belize, where Oceana and its co-claimants secured a judgment declaring “unlawful, null and void” six production sharing agreements covering offshore oil exploration blocks within our maritime areas.
In fact, Oceana’s advocacy bore more fruits when last year just before our 3rd anniversary Princess Petroleum relinquished portions of its concession block which included Belize’s iconic and world famous Blue Hole as well as the Turneffe Atoll and Lighthouse Reef.
In keeping with the celebratory spirit, Oceana in Belize takes this opportunity to salute our Garinagu Community and to wish all an enjoyable and safe Garifuna Settlement Day! Oceana was a key sponsor of the 8th Annual Battle of the Drums, hosted in Punta Gorda Town on our anniversary and one of the major events leading up to Garifuna Settlement Day.
Oceana Belize assists with beach cleanups on Ambergris Caye, Belize
Oceana is key in helping to put a ban on a forms of fish trawling in Belize
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