7 News Belize

MANATEE ALERT...
posted (May 30, 2012)
The Belize Port Authority along with the Coastal Zone Management have placed No Wake signs at the mouth of the Haulover Creek - to alert boat captains that they must approach the area with caution - due to the fact that it is one of the more popular hangout spots for manatees. The media was invited out on a boat ride this afternoon to view the area -where the greatest number of manatee collisions occurs.

The No Wake signs are being enforced and boats are to traffic the area at no more than 5 miles per hour - if not, there is a penalty. Research associate Jamal Galvez explains:

Jamal Galvez - Manatee Research Associate/CZM
We had these signs donated to us from Save the Manatee Club from Florida along with Sea to Shore Alliance. We've noticed that the majority of manatee collisions are in this area, so we're focusing on this area by using these signs and working together along with the Port Authority to regulate boat movement within this area to see if it may change the rate of manatee deaths in the area. We have no-wake zone coming in toward the river mouth and leaving the river. It's pretty much a couple of yards away from each other, but it's a small area in which we've seen a lot of manatees. We know that the boat traffic is very high in this area. So, we're hoping this regulation may change boat movements in this area and eventually change the increase the increase in mortality rates. We have a couple more signs coming in, especially on for the Manatee Lookout area where most people know that you can go and have a beer, or have lunch, and you can actually see a manatee from there. So, we are actually trying to protect the manatees in the area where they are more present."

Michael Jenkins - Officer Port Authority "Belize Port Authority will - along with Coastal Zone - be monitoring this area. After the studies done by Coastal Zone, we've learnt that this area has a high population of manatees, and one of our main objectives to protect our environment, and so, we will be monitoring this area. The penalties - there will be penalties. We're asking that the public records, takes photographs, call into the Port Authority, and give as much information on vessels breaking the speed limit, which is - we're requiring - 5 nauts or less in this area. The coastal area of of Belize is a No-Wake zone, and there is a fine of $250 for breaking this law."

The signs were donated from an organization in Florida called "Save the Manatees".


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7 News Belize