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enforcing regulations and safeguarding the marine environment
The main purpose of this program is to ensure the fishery is sustainable. TASA’s Enforcement Program is the indispensable backbone for the effective and sustainable management of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve. As a multi-use marine reserve, Turneffe Atoll is divided into several management zones, each designated for specific activities. Covering over 365,000 acres, ensuring a consistent presence to protect the atoll from threats is a monumental task. The designation as a marine reserve does not automatically render it safe from harm. Its critical importance is evident in its dedication to rigorously upholding marine reserve laws and fishing regulations, which are fundamental to supporting Managed Access, diligently monitoring tourism activities, and aggressively combating illegal practices like dredging and mangrove clearance.
The program’s reach extends across six vital areas: Patrols and Surveillance, Zoning and Boundaries, Fisheries Compliance, Visitor Compliance, Development Compliance, and Technological Solutions. Together, these focused efforts are essential for safeguarding the atoll’s resources, thereby securing a balanced and sustainable future for its fisheries and the rich surrounding ecosystem.
The Conservation Officers are deeply integrated into all facets of the organization, extending their oversight beyond zoning enforcement. From ecotourism initiatives to scientific monitoring, they play a crucial role in ensuring compliance and promoting responsible practices across Turneffe Atoll. With three strategically located conservation outposts, located north to south, at Mauger Caye, Calabash Caye, and Caye Bokel, our team conducts strategic patrols, bolstering our commitment to safeguarding the biodiversity of Turneffe Atoll Marine Reseve in order to Increase stewardship and encourage the sharing of best practice.
Patrols and surveillance are essential to maintaining compliance within Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve. Conservation officers conduct daily patrols, often collaborating with agencies like the Belize Coast Guard and the Belize Police Department, to monitor activities, enforce regulations, and deter illegal practices. These efforts ensure that the reserve remains a safe haven for marine life and a sustainable resource for local communities.
Fisheries compliance is centered on guaranteeing that all fishing operations within the reserve conform to established regulations. TASA’s Conservation Officers play a key role by inspecting fishing vessels, assessing catches, and collaborating with fishers to encourage sustainable practices. Their efforts include educating stakeholders on critical measures such as size limits, closed seasons, and other regulations aimed at safeguarding marine species and habitats. During routine patrols, officers verify the validity of fishing licenses and permits to ensure that all activities are properly authorized. Particular attention is given to potential violations, with two of the most frequently encountered issues being the harvesting of undersized catch and fishing in restricted areas.
Development compliance ensures that all construction and land-use activities within the marine reserve align with environmental regulations. This includes monitoring for unauthorized developments, such as unpermitted fishing camps or dredging activities, and working with relevant authorities to address violations. The goal is to prevent habitat destruction and maintain the natural balance of the reserve.
Tourism and visitor compliance focuses on ensuring that all recreational activities within the marine reserve are conducted responsibly and sustainably. Conservation officers engage with tour operators, divers, anglers, and other visitors to educate them about the reserve’s rules, park fees and best practices.
The protection of Turneffe Atoll is guided by a comprehensive framework of regulations, including the Fisheries Resource Act, Forest Act, Wildlife Protection Act, and Environmental Protection Act. These laws are essential for safeguarding the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems.
To effectively manage Turneffe Atoll, the area is divided into five distinct management zones: General Use, Preservation, Special Management, Conservation, and protected Spawning Aggregation Sites. Each zone has specific rules designed to meet our conservation goals while supporting sustainable activities. Our strong partnerships with key authorities bolster these protection efforts, ensuring the long-term health of the atoll.
We invite you to join us in safeguarding this vital marine environment. For detailed guidelines and compliance information, please access our Regulations Booklet.
Since 2017, this tool has been used at TASA to collect, store, and analyze field data from patrols. It helps our enforcement team identify high-risk areas, track patrol efforts, and make informed decisions to improve the effectiveness of conservation activities.
Implemented in early 2025 as a pilot program with the Wildlife Conservation Society, Earth Ranger is a wildlife and conservation management platform. It integrates data from other systems, like SMART, allowing managers to monitor, analyze, and respond to threats in real-time, which enhances operational efficiency.
This system tracks the location and routes of patrol vessels. It ensures operational efficiency, enhances team safety, and allows for rapid deployment and emergency response across the marine reserve.
The marine radar is the only radar of its kind in Belize used for Marine Enforcement. This system provides real-time surveillance of boat activity within its range. It is a critical tool for detecting and monitoring unauthorized vessels, particularly in sensitive or high-traffic areas, helping to deter illegal activities.
Drones provide versatile surveillance capabilities. Our aerial drones offer a bird’s-eye view of vast areas to monitor for illegal fishing or development, while the underwater drone helps us inspect marine habitats and protected sites with minimal disturbance.
TASA operates three conservation outposts strategically placed throughout the reserve to support enforcement and conservation efforts. These outposts, situated at Mauger Caye, Calabash Caye and Caye Bokel, serve as critical bases for our highly trained conservation officers, many of whom are also licensed special constables. The officers carry out a range of duties, including conducting patrols, engaging with visitors, maintenance, and participating in scientific monitoring to protect the ecosystem.
Officers are deployed on a rotation schedule, working two weeks on and one week off to ensure continuous coverage across the reserve. Each outpost is equipped to support their operations, offering essential facilities for patrols and law enforcement activities. Additionally, these outposts provide amenities for visitors, such as docking areas and picnic spots, creating a connection between conservation efforts and public engagement.
Turneffe boasts the only Marine Monitoring Radar in Belize used for Enforcement purposes.
The Adaptive Management Program guides TASA’s on-site management of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.
Fostering improved stewardship of natural resources through active involvement with stakeholders
Ensuring the effective management of the Atoll's natural resources.
100% of your donation will go to support the work of the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association