Reef Conservation International
Tom Owens Caye, Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, Belize
ReefCI has been in the Lionfish Community and hunting lionfish since 2006!
About Reef Conservation International
ReefCI is on the front lines battling to preserve and protect the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest reef system in the world. It is home to an amazing diversity of plants and animals, and is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Unfortunately, our reefs are under threat from poor fisheries management, climate change, plastic pollution, and invasive species.
ReefCI is marine conservation in the real world and we need your help! Our marine conservation efforts focus on the following:
• Eradicating invasive species from coral reefs: Invasive Lionfish population control and monitoring (spearing and dissecting lionfish).
• Marine conservation education: Learning about coral reefs and marine animals and discovering how we can protect our reefs from a warming planet.
• Biodiversity (fish, invertebrates, and coral) identification dives to increase one’s knowledge and understanding of reef ecosystems.
• Weekly beach and island trash/plastic removal on islands of the Belize Barrier Reef.
What do you like about lionfish hunting?
It is a blast and everyone can participate!
What do you like about the lionfish community?
Since 2006, Reef Conservation International has sustained itself through our volunteer program, enabling us to protect the underwater world we love. ReefCI has relied on dedicated conservationists and environmentally conscious volunteers from around the world who have contributed their time, money, and effort to protect the Belize Barrier Reef.
Our conservation work is funded solely through environmentally minded eco-volunteers who come to our unique island sitting in Belize to assist in our various marine conservation projects. Without their help and funding, ReefCI would not be possible. Our ultimate goal is to preserve and manage the Belize Barrier Reef for generations to come by inspiring, educating, and encouraging change via our volunteers. Our volunteers truly are the change they wish to see in the world.
ReefCI’s mission is to not only protect our coral reefs and oceans, but to also provide sustainable employment and job training to poor coastal Belizean communities. Our staff is comprised almost entirely of Belizeans, who we have been hired through our internship/job training program. They serve in leadership roles as managers, marine biologists, educators, and scuba dive instructors.
