Small Scale Fisheries Data Collections & Marine Conservation Education Products

EXCITING NEWS AND CHALLENGES!
Development of the interpretive center is finally in full swing! After a long couple of weeks of initial design planning, budget approval and contacting a few individuals, the visuals and models have started being created. Something that caught me by surprise was that Dr. Tewfik, my supervisor who is not in country, did not inform any of the staff members outside of the immediate marine team of the plans for the developing the interpretive center at the research station. This meant that not even the assistant director or any of the finance team were aware of the plan. This was not a huge challenge, except for that it delayed the timeframe in which I was able to begin buying supplies. The budget for the interpretive center had to be included on the following year’s budget, which was FORTUNATELY July, meaning I only had to wait a couple of weeks.

Small Scale Fisheries Data Collections & Marine Conservation Education Products

Initial thoughts and reflection
I must admit that Belize was not what I expected it to be, but that’s okay! All the reviews and research I did, out of pure excitement, prior to leaving left me thinking that Belize would be one of the more slightly developed country of the developing countries. This made learning and discovering Belize all the more exciting because of the preconceived notions I had that were now being challenged.

Small Scale Fisheries Data Collections & Marine Conservation Education Products

 

The marine world has always fascinated me despite growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan. Part of what drives my passion for marine conservation is the entire world under the bright, blue ocean surface that no one can see or truly understand. We live in the terrestrial environment and learn to live with the terrestrial habitats around us, but only scuba diving and snorkeling to some extent as allowed us to experience the life under the sea. My excitement and passion for marine conservation is so known by my family and close friends that they call me “The Mermaid”.

I am currently writing from Glover’s Reef Research Station. The station is located 45 km off the coast of Belize and is within the Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve. We arrived here Tuesday morning and will be leaving on Friday.