As a paying volunteer, you directly fund scientific research by covering permits, equipment, and other costs while supporting local vendors.
BOOK WITH A $500 DEPOSIT
Shark Conservation in Belize
TYPICAL ITINERARY:
- DAY 1: Meet your team, introduction to Riversdale and accommodations
- DAY 2: Introduction to research and training day
- DAYS 3–6: Deploy coastal longline survey (fishing for sharks)
- DAY 7: Recreational day
- DAY 8: Early morning departure
THIS EXPEDITION IS OPEN TO STUDENTS AND TEENS!
In the heart of a Belizean fishing community experience the beauty of the Caribbean Sea as you help save sharks from extinction. You will collaborate with researchers and local fishers to catch and tag sharks, track them with acoustic transmitters, and implement innovative conservation methods.
Over the last decade, with the support of ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇøers, this expedition has played a pivotal role in monitoring shark populations around the island cayes of Belize. Resulting data contributed to the worldwide project, led by shark expert Dr. Demian Chapman, and has helped increase and improve protected areas for sharks around the country’s remote atolls. With these atolls now safeguarded and shark populations on the rise, our next major research objective is underway: monitoring the relative abundance of shark species along the coast to further strengthen conservation efforts.
This expedition goes beyond science—it’s a chance to dive deep into the rich culture of a lively Belizean fishing community. You will be hosted by a fishing family and fed delicious, homemade Belizean cuisine while integrating into the hustle and bustle of a working fishing community as we team up with local fishers to conduct our surveys. Surveying mainly at night, you’ll experience the serenity of being on a moonlit ocean, while learning how to deploy fishing gear and equipment used to catch, tag, and release the sharks.
When we aren’t on the water, we’ll explore the world’s first Jaguar preserve, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, go crocodile spotting at a nearby creek, and clean the village’s public beach. Between adventures, you’ll also help with data entry and analysis.
We believe successful, effective management and conservation come from the ground up and start with inclusivity. Working with fisherfolk to achieve research objectives has reduced fishing pressure on sharks by diversifying fisherfolk income. It has increased community engagement in science, shark conservation, and fisheries management. Join our team to discover what makes this community so special while enjoying all the beauty Belize has to offer.
Learn more about our work together in PBS’ Changing Seas episode:
See what past ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇøers have been up to on Fishers4Science’s Instagram
Why It Matters:
The Impact of Volunteer Science
Every year, ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers help monitor shark populations in and out of marine reserves surrounding Belize's island cayes.
The resulting data contributed to the !
I very much love the science behind shark fisheries management and my molecular work, but it is working with people, building capacity, infusing fishers’ knowledge into the scientific world and effecting real, lasting, change together, that is my driving force. Science needs to be collaborative and inclusive—from the individual level all the way up to the international level.
—Dr. Jessica Quinlan, Lead Scientist
HOW YOU WILL HELP
TAG SHARKS TO MONITOR SPECIES AND ABUNDANCE IN COASTAL WATERS
Volunteers will deploy and retrieve the standardized longline. Upon checking the line, the team will take DNA samples, measure, and tag each shark before releasing them.
TRACK MOVEMENTS OF SHARKS AT A SPAWNING AGGREGATION SITE
Volunteers will deploy drumlines to capture sharks that frequent a mutton snapper aggregation site. Sharks will be fitted with an internal acoustic transmitter to track their movements within the area.
COLLECT LIFE HISTORY DATA AND MONITOR SHARK LANDINGS
Belize has an active shark fishery, and volunteers who visit during the fishing season will visit fishing camps to collect important maturity data from landed sharks and help monitor shark landings.
Field conditions and research needs can lead to changes in the itinerary and activities. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
Highlights to Explore at this Destination
- Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: The world's first jaguar preserve, offering hiking, waterfalls, river tubing, and diverse wildlife.
- Mayflower Bocawina National Park: A rainforest park with waterfalls, hiking trails, and Maya ruins.
- Placencia Village: A charming coastal village with lovely beaches, quaint shops, and a variety of dining options.
- Laughing Bird Caye National Park: A stunning and serene national park, ideal for snorkeling, diving, and picnicking on its beautiful beaches.
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FEEDBACK & QUESTIONS
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