1st Quarter 2009

ReefCI Belize 5 years old

In October 2003 from a home office in a small English town, Reef Conservation International was born. A creation that has survived 5 years in a country that was so different and far away from that small Kentish town! The intention was to create a marine conservation company that was not just for scientists or gap year students, anyone could get involved….and….not have to spend 5-10 weeks on any given project. Looking back, we have achieved exactly what we set out to achieve and more. This year we are going to celebrate our 5-year anniversary of operations in Belize, a country that we now call home. So……..we would like to share with you some of our proudest moments.

We have collected 4 years of baseline data – we only need to collect one more year to start to see some actual results! This is very important for the Sapodilla Cayes and especially for commercial species in Belize.
We have trained and qualified 5 local people who started with little or no opportunities to become PADI Dive Masters.
A strengthening relationship with the University of Belize, ReefCI are running internship programs and giving lectures to the University students.
We have found 3 new spawning grounds for groupers and snappers.
Helped hundreds of turtles start their lives!!!
Opened the Reef Bar (1 year old in February) - best place in town for food, dancing and local entertainment!

ReefCI have now been operating at Hunting Caye for 3 months and we love it! The facilities were made for divers!!! The base at Hunting is a brand new building that was donated to the University of Belize for education and research. The beaches are the best in Belize!!! It is a truly magical place!

ReefCI have bought new engines for our boat and the boat underwent a complete refurbishment last month. We also recently purchased a brand new engine for our compressor.

We had an amazing Xmas and New Year on the island. On Xmas day we went diving with our Xmas hats then enjoyed a fabulous meal of conch ceviche followed by fresh hogfish and baked chicken. New Year’s Eve attracted boatloads of partygoers from Guatemala and Lime Caye was transformed into a party island! So, we took the boat to go join them and I am sure that our guests can truly say that it was the first New Year party that they have been to by boat while watching the shooting stars!!! There was entertainment from magicians, singers, comedians etc and the best fireworks at midnight that seemed to go on forever!!!! Brilliant fun for everyone! Beats the usual crowded streets and bars!

So…..we would like to wish you all a very happy New Year, let’s hope that it will be fun, prosperous and happy!!!

We now have the spawning season to look forward to and of course the Whale Shark season during March through to June. We are lucky enough to be able to spot and swim with Whale Sharks in a remote area that is not spoiled by boatloads of people all trying to get a glimpse! It is just us, the biggest fish in the world and the birds, tuna, other fish and sharks that tag along! A truly incredible experience.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all of our customers and partners over the years, many who have become good friends and many of you have returned on a number of occasions. We could not have survived neither could we continue without your support. We look forward to seeing you again either here in Belize or on one of our many reunions in London!

Polly & Jo
Directors
ReefCI