Ambergris Caye Belize Resort Development - Department of ...

9.2.5 Cultural
Culturally, the island continues to see growth in both ethnic and racial mix. The original
inhabitants have long since been integrated with new additions to the island. The increase in
tourism and the construction of new and bigger hotels on the island have seen an influx of
Central American immigrants to the island to satisfy construction needs. Though integrated, this
has caused a great deal of impacts to existing lifestyles and local social institutions. It is
important to mention however, that a large number of Belizeans from all over Belize have also
migrated to the island for employment within the tourism industry. Many of these individuals
seek and find employment, and on many occasions a few have returned to the mainland or place
of origin.
Noteworthy, the island will continue to see ethnic and racial mix overtime; it is a natural human
social process.
9.2.6 Traditional Activities
In terms of tourism, fishing remains an important economic activity within the Bacalar Chico
Marine Reserve (BCMR). Fishermen from Sarteneja and Corozal utilize the BCMR for
extractive commercial fishing, while most of the fishing activity by San Pedro-based users is
centered on extractive sport or tourism-related fishing. Both of these groups recognize the
declining economic return of extractive fishing, and the increasing economic potential of
tourism-related activity, and have enlisted in programs that promise to enhance their capacity for
more sustainable and economically viable livelihoods.
Boats from San Pedro make regular day trips to fish on the eastern side of the BCMR for lobster
and conch, while Fishermen from Corozal and Sarteneja stay and fish in the area for one and two
weeks. Based on the Bacalar Chico Management plan, two families from Sarteneja and one
from Corozal Town use the area, setting traps for reef fish from May to September.
Since the declaration of the BCMR’s zoning regulations, no additional traps have been allowed
within the reserve. However, a substantial amount of illegal fishing is taking place in the area by
both Belizean and Mexican fishers alike, but the impact of these activities has never been
quantified. Again, it is noted, that the number of traditional fishermen from San Pedro has
declined over the years because of tourism growth and associated activities.
Information gathered indicated that during various times of the year, the area of the coast
between Punta Azul and Rocky Point is utilized by various individuals (beach combers) where
they collect whelks, coconuts, conch etc. The hotels use the whelks for boca (finger food) while
the shells are recollected and sold to individuals from Belize City to make local jewelry for sale.
Coconuts from the area are also collected for use in San Pedro. Coconuts and conch are sold on
the local market for drink and local dishes.
It is noted that no fishing and or the collection of conch is prohibited in the marine reserve.
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