San Pedro’s Reef Week, organized by the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, took place last week from May 8 to May 14 under the theme ‘Let’s Protect our Greatest Treasure; So it’s Enjoyed with Pleasure.’
It is a week in which the Hol Chan Marine Reserve organizes various activities and events that involve the community to create awareness and knowledge of the reef’s importance to Belize. In case you missed any of the events, here is a rundown of Reef Week 2017 in La Isla Bonita.
Monday – The Swim to the Reef kicked off the week with participants taking the plunge at Amigos del Mar dive center and swimming to the reef and back during the early morning hours. It’s a healthy activity to promote a healthy reef. Click Here to Read More
Tuesday – Hol Chan Marine Reserve hosted a Primary School Trivia Competition at the San Pedro Lions Den. A total of 10 students competed in a series of three rounds. In the end Austin Castro from San Pedro R.C School came out victorious. Terrance Keating from Isla Bonita placed second and Tellen Smith from Island Academy won third place.
First Place won a laptop, printer, flash drive, a glass award and a school bag filled with school supplies.
Second Place won a tablet, keyboard, glass award and a bag filled with school supplies.
Third Place won 100 Gift certificate from A&R, glass award and a bag filled with school supplies.
Wednesday – Pre-Schoolers enjoyed a puppet show courtesy of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve crew. The presentations educated the students about managing access to fishing, the rights to fish in certain areas, and sustainable fishing.
What capture the children’s attention the most was when Hol Chan’s mascot fishy friends came out to play and danced with them.
Thursday – A Reef Week Fair was hosted at the Central Park. Isla Bonita Elementary School along with different organizations had their booths set up with fun information for the community. Students who visited learned of the reef’s importance and gained knowledge to help protect the reef and the aquatic environment.
Friday – A fun Lionfish Tournament was hosted at Estel’s Dine by the Sea where participating businesses/individuals headed out to sea from early morning to catch as much fish as possible. The count took place at the end of the day on the beach at Estel’s with fun activities that included a Lionfish filleting competition and Lionfish Ceviche Competition.
Most Lionfish Caught –
1st Place – Amigos del Mar 240 Lionfish – $1,200 prize
2nd Place – Ramon’s Village 168 Lionfish – $800 prize
3rd Place – Belize Diving Adventures 49 Lionfish- $500 prize
Biggest Lionfish Caught – Ramon’s Village – $250 prize
Smallest Lionfish Caught – Carlos Soto, Belize Diving Adventures – $200
Winner Lionfish Fillet Competition –
1st Place Christopher Mejia
2nd Place Hector Modesto (both from Ramon’s Village)
Winner Lionfish Ceviche Competition –
1st Place Pineapples Restaurant $500 prize
2nd Place Kaydan’s Cevicheria $200 prize
