Our Work - Turneffe Flats
Turneffe Atoll Trust has four areas of focus, they are described on this page.
OUR WORK
2002
The Beginning
We started with a strong dedication to conservation which has never wavered. We recognized that this unspoiled and wonderful place - which we called home - needed a protector and that without an organized effort, its resources would likely decline. We rolled up our sleeves and got to work. Guided by the vision of its owner, Craig Hayes, Turneffe Flats made an ongoing philanthropic commitment to 1% For The Planet.
2009
Catch & Release
We initially focused on one of our passions - protecting the key sport fishing species in Belize. This work culminated with landmark legislation mandating comprehensive protection of bonefish, permit and tarpon throughout Belize as catch-and-release only species. To date, this is the most comprehensive protection enacted for these species and this legislation is now being used as a model in other countries.
2010
Fisheries Research
In 2010 we turned our focus to the commercial fishery at Turneffe. As a critical step in securing the support of commercial fishermen for a marine reserve, we undertook a comprehensive analysis of Turneffe's commercial fishery. This included an extensive survey of fishermen which revealed their desire for better management of their fishery including improved enforcement to stop illegal fishing.
2011
Management Plan
To initiate the process of establishing a marine reserve, Turneffe Atoll Trust organized all parties in Belize interested in protecting Turneffe. After 10,000 hours of consultation among stakeholders, a 300-page Turneffe Atoll Marine Management Plan was developed. This process, which was an essential precursor to the marine reserve, was funded by Turneffe Atoll Trust.
2012
Marine Reserve
On November 12, 2012, Turneffe Atoll Trust's efforts culminated in the establishment of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve — Belize's largest marine reserve encompassing more than 325,000 acres with a wide variety of marine habitats. Subsequently, Turneffe Atoll Trust played the pivotal role in establishing a stakeholder-based organization to co-manage the reserve.
2015
Conch Research
In 2014 and 2015, we funded a comprehensive baseline analysis of Turneffe's queen conch population, one of the two major commercial species of the atoll. This analysis is the most comprehensive conch analysis ever conducted in the Caribbean and it is key to the sustainable management of this fishery.