Posted on February, 15 2017

Belize – The discovery of a new shark species in Belize waters comes as a reminder of the need to protect the waters around the Central American country, home to the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve system, the longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere.
 
The Belize Fisheries Department and researchers from Florida International University (FIU) confirmed the presence of a new shark species belonging to the bonnetheads type in waters off the coast of Belize last week.

Yet to be named, this species, which requires healthy habitats for nursery areas such as mangroves, serves as an indicator of the state of health of Belize waters as at present. However, it also highlights the need for urgent action by the Belize government to strengthen protections for this marine biodiversity hotspot.

“Bonnetheads don’t migrate very far, so the fact that they are found here indicates that the seas are good for them, with water clarity being a factor they favour,” said Nadia Bood, reef scientist, WWF-Belize Field Programme. “Discovering a new species of shark is another example that Belize Barrier Reef offers perfect conditions for some of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems. This is exactly why WWF believes it is vital we do all we can to preserve this valuable part of our common natural heritage.”

The Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage, which WWF is a part of, works to protect the Belize Barrier Reef site from threats such as coastal construction, offshore oil exploration and drilling in country. In October 2016, following advocacy efforts by the coalition and a global public outcry, the Belize government suspended permissions for seismic surveys which would have allowed exploration for oil within a 1 km radius from the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site. While an encouraging move, stronger legislation for a complete oil ban is needed to ensure long-term protection and enable the site to be taken off the World Heritage ‘in danger’ list.

“More than 265,000 people have asked the prime minister of Belize to secure long-term protection of the World Heritage site. We call all people who want to see this unique home for diverse marine species saved from harmful activities to join this action today and take the advocacy action to the Prime Minister at panda.org/belize”, added Nadia Bood.

Belize’s waters are a haven for 1,400 kinds of plants and animals, including rare marine turtles, rays, sharks and dolphins. More than half of the country’s population, around 190,000 people, are supported by incomes generated through tourism and fisheries directly dependent on the reef.

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Notes for Editors:

• Announcement of new shark species discovery by the Belize Fisheries Department can be found here.
• Announcement from FIU can be found here.
• Photos of the shark for media use can be found here.

The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.  However, in 2009, due to multiple threats emerging the site was added on the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage in Danger where it continues to remain. Threats identified by the World Heritage Committee have included unsustainable coastal constructions as well as oil exploration.
As marine ecosystems are connected by ocean currents, their health is highly dependent on the conditions of the surrounding reef and waters, oil exploration close to the Belize Barrier Reef could irreparably damage it. An oil spill in Belizean waters could cause widespread environmental damage and have fatal impacts on marine life.