T O O M MUCHT O LOSEE
TOO U C H TO L O S
21.3.14
Volume 1, Issue 1
Did you know? Seismic surveys require the shooting of air guns underwater which affect adult fish, eggs & larvae & displaces other marine animals.
Studies have shown catch rates reduction of 50-80% after seismic shooting.
The Southern ’Blues’
(Cont’d)
In addition to the environmental implications, the Sarstoon Temash National Park has been put in danger of unjustified
oil exploration activities without proper consultation with the neighboring Mayan communities although it was declared
as Mayan communal lands by the Court of Appeal in July of 2013.
The Coalition’s other concern is Princess Petroleum Limited, belonging to the owners of the Princess Casino. The
Company has a contract to explore 1 million plus acres of Belize for oil. The license, is mostly offshore including Belize’s
Great Blue Hole, but also covers some inland exploration in Southern Belize. The company is a concern as they have
little to no expertise in the Petroleum Industry but are allegedly well connected with politicians of the ruling United
Democratic Party, which can mean easy clearance to go ahead with drilling.
Last, and by far the most worrisome at this point in time, is Providence Energy Limited. The Houston-based company,
was granted a 25-year petroleum contract in 2007. Now, Providence Energy is planning to shoot seismic tests in their
concession blocks in southern Belize. These blocks, include an offshore area...specifically, the Port Honduras Marine
Reserve, which protects numerous species threatened with extinction in other parts of the world. The Reserve is also a
pilot site in the Managed Access “catch share” program implemented by the Belize Fisheries Department in partnership
with EDF, TIDE and WCS. The PHMR includes vital habitats, with inshore, patch and fringing reefs, seagrass beds and
138 mangrove cayes, which support an important fishery for local traditional users.
-Rochelle Reneau (Comm. & Research Officer)
Resource: amandala.com; tidebelize.org
Members News
In 2013 alone, the Coalition recruited 242 new
members between May-December. Most
membership recruitment took place at outreach
events throughout the country, and through call for
volunteers. The Coalition has worked throughout
the year to keep the interest of current members
through information updates , invitation to events,
and most importantly, call for support. The current
membership count stands at 305 individual
members and 35 organizational members.
Photo : Sarstoon Temash National Park,
Toledo