Published by Seleem Chan - On 31 May 2009

May 2009 was a very productive month for the Port Honduras Marine Reserve (PHMR). On May 12^th 2009 PHMR had its first Advisory Committee Meeting for 2009. A meeting was scheduled for February 12^th 2009, earlier in the year, but did not meet quorum. Another accomplishment was the Open Water Certification for Mr. Kenly Williams. Mr. Williams got the opportunity to receive his certification through Tide Tours.

•  A total of seventeen (17) patrols were conducted
• Number of vessels encountered: 10 (5 Fishermen/ 5 Tourist)
• Work done on Abalone Caye to prevent the erosion problem( putting down tires with posts)
• Assist the community of Punta Negra in transporting BDF Soldiers to assist in the clean up of the village
• Assisted a group of students from the University of Belize in conducting a management effectiveness exercise of PHMR
• Transport canoes for the village of Punta Negra
• Transport tires to Abalone to assist with the erosion on the island

• A total of fifteen (15) patrols were conducted
• Number of vessels encountered: 5 (0 Fishermen/5 Tourists)
• Fish Stock Assessment was conducted by Marlon and Ms. Anna Ramirez
• Collection of Drift Wood
• Work was done on the construction of the water tank stand at Ranger Station

• A total of eighteen (18) patrols were conducted
• Total number of vessels encountered:
•  Lobster Survey was conducted from May 19^th – 22^nd 2009. A total of fourteen sites were monitored. The research team consisted of Seleem, Godfrey, Marlon & Vanna.
• Open Water Certification training was done by Mr. Kenly Williams
• Site visit to Monkey River Village (met with Ms. Tanya Garbutt)
• Fifteen (33) gals garbage bags filled with garbage from South Snake Caye, refuse was disposed of in town
• Beach clean-up at West Snake Caye
• Cleaning of Seven demarcation buoys along with two mooring buoys
• Transported Mr. Alistar King and Family to town due to engine problems
• Routine maintenance was done on the 60 Yamaha outboard engine

• A total of twenty (20) patrols were conducted
• Total number of vessels encountered: 11 (8 Fishermen/3 tourist)
• Confiscated 1 gill net within the area of Monkey River
• Cleaning of Demarcation Buoy ropes were done
• Water Quality monitoring was done on May 28^th 2009
• Finish the construction of the water tank stand
• Monitor the construction of a thatch at West Snake Caye
• Transport Mrs. Celia Mahung to inspect the thatch at West Snake Caye

With the supervision and guidance of Mr. Carlos Ramirez the rangers refurbished the water tanks stand at Abalone Caye. The footing for the stand was transported to the construction sight and the necessary materials needed were purchased by TIDE. On behalf of the rangers this shows the commitment and the willingness to get the job done.

On May 20^th & 21^st 2009, Mr. Kenly Williams along with three (3) other trainees participated in a SCUBA Dive Training within PHMR. The trainees previously participated in theoretical sessions before going out to carryout the practical sessions. The trainer was TIDE Tours Manager Mr. Karel kuran.

On May 22^nd 2009, Mr. Nicanor Requena with the assistance of TIDE staff held a consultation meeting at the St. Peter Claver Extension. The meeting was targeting the members of the Rio Grande Fisherman’s Cooperative. The purpose of the meeting was to educate the Fisher folk on the idea of catch shares.

Mr. Requena is a consultant hired by Environmental Defense Fund, an organization from the United States.

On May 25^th 2009, Mrs. Celia Mahung other staff members from TIDE and Mr. Rene Villanueva along with his camera man participated in a Familiarization Tour of the three (3) protected areas managed by TIDE. The tour also visited the village of Punta Negra, where one of the elderly was interviewed. Mr. Villanueva will be producing a DVD which will be air on his show Belize Watch, a copy of the DVD will be provided to TIDE as well.

On May 12^th 2009, the members of the Advisory Committee meeting met in TIDE’s Conference Room. The meeting was the first for the year 2009. The second Advisory Meeting was scheduled for August 11^th 2009.

The table below shows the amount of fuel that was allocated to PHMR for the month of May 2009 (Surveillance and Patrols)

For the month of May 2009, the staff at Port Honduras Marine Reserve sold 75 entrance fee tickets, this adds up to $750.00 bze dollars.

Regular servicing of the outboard engines was conducted. This was done with the assistance of the rangers on duty. Both the 100Hp and 60Hp Yamaha outboard engines for PHMR were serviced. This entails changing of the oil, fuel and oil filters a wash with fresh water.

The patrol vessels were also cleaned and maintained. The exterior of the vessels were cleaned with muriatic acid. This detergent assists with the cleaning of the stains on the vessel.

The solar system was checked by Mr. Mark Miller from Plenty Belize. Mr. Miller submitted a report which is recommending for us to rewire the system and convert the lights DC (Direct Current). The report was submitted for consideration at a management meeting. Funding is an issue.   

On May 21^st 2009, the second computer training was conducted under the Community Stewards Program (the first was done on April 23^rd 2009). The stewards got the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the parts and functions of a computer. The second training the stewards were introduced to the internet and creating an email account. Each participant created a person e-mailing account during the training.

In conclusion, I would like to encourage the field staff of PHMR to continue the hard work and to keep motivated in the work that we do. Thanks to the Fisheries Department for its continued support as well. Introduction.