Too precious to drill: the marine biodiversity of Belize

Belize's marine biodiversity, particularly within the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve Systemis under significant threat from potential offshore oil exploration and drilling. The study highlights that the reef system supports a vast array of marine life, including coastal dolphins, manatees, seabirds, elasmobranchs (sharks and rays), snapper and grouper assemblages, and endemic marine fishes, all of which could face severe impacts from oil spills and habitat disruption. Research approaches include species-specific threat assessments, ecosystem service evaluations, and economic analyses of fisheries and ecotourism to underscore the irreversible consequences of drilling on biodiversity, habitats like mangroves, and deep-sea corals. The findings advocate for stronger protection measures rather than additional pollution from offshore development.

Palomares, M. L. D., & Pauly, D. (Daniel). (2012). Too precious to drill: the marine biodiversity of Belize. Fisheries Centre. University of British Columbia. https://doi.org/10.14288/1.0074738