Take the time to view the videos for the South Water Caye Marine Reserve and the Healthy Reefs Initiative produced by the South Water Caye Marine Reserve Advisory Committee and the Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative, respectfully. They both offer excellent information on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the South Water Caye Marine Reserve in relation to the Belize marine environment, and the health of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Check em’ out!

With a major thank you to PACT and MAR Fund, and a thank you to the amazing support of Stann Creek District Education Office and South Water Caye Marine Reserve Fisheries Department, Tobacco Caye Marine Station has had the wonderful opportunity to begin teaching marine science at the local level.  Beginning late 2009, TCMS began to target standard 6 classes (grade 8 equiv.) in select schools in the Stann Creek District, where we delivered guest lectures devoted to the connectivity of the marine environment from the watershed to the reef.  Focusing on the interconnectedness of watersheds, seagrass beds, mangroves, and coral reefs, we worked with the students to identify human impacts on the separate ecosystems, and consequently, Belize’s marine environment as a whole.  To further the lectures in an experiential manner, each class participated in a day-long field trip to the South Water Caye Marine Reserve.  We explored mangroves, bird sanctuaries, and participated in interactive marine science activities at Tobacco Caye Marine Station.  To complete the day, each class had time to explore the sea, either by snorkelling or beachcombing.  The in-class sessions and field trips were immensely successful and we would like to extend thanks to all the wonderful students and teachers that participated.  Another big thank you to Leonel Requena and Gwen Nunez-Gonzalez for your tireless support, we look forward to extending our reach of Stann Creek marine science education in 2010.

Tobacco Caye Marine Station is now 100% operating from solar power.  In November 2009, solar gurus Jeff Brady and Steve Usrey of NRG Belize, accompanied by Trinidad Valdez from Monkey Bay Wildlife Sactuary, travelled to Tobacco Caye for a major solar install.  Jeff Brady engineered and sized a system of 9 panels, 16 batteries, and a 3600 watt inverter to enable Tobacco Caye Marine Station to further its commitment to environmental sustainability, with no further reliance on generators.  Next step: solar power the entire island…  now that would be something special.

Thank you to Alternative Energy Ltd. of Colorado, MK Battery (batteries), Xantrex (Inverter), Apollo (controller), Midnite Solar (E-panel power center), and Sharp (solar modules).

The time has finally arrived.

We have finished the designs for our tshirts and have taken our first delivery! We apologise for not having any fun shirts for our amazing groups to buy this year, but all good things take time….

SIZES: Fruit of the Loom Heavy Cotton S-XXXL, youth 2-4, 6-8, 10-12, 14-16 (back decal not available for youth 2-4, 6-8)

COLOURS: For now: White, Forest Green, Jade, Pacific Blue, Khaki. See the fb album for the different shades, or click on this link http://www.imagedesignersinc.com/html/fruit_color.html. Special colour orders are available, but will take a little while longer (approx. 3-4 weeks).

TO ORDER: Email us. We have set up a paypal  account, so you can pay directly from your bank or credit card. email us your order and we will then send the invoice with details on how to pay.

PRICE: $20USD, plus some unfortunate shipping costs. Boo shipping, hurray fun tshirts!

All proceeds will go to the Tobacco Caye Marine Station.

Any questions, drop us an email!