Ambergris Caye Belize Resort Development - Department of ...

2.2 Oceanography
T he oceanography in the area refers to tw o (2) m ain bodies of w ater: the sea off the eastern shores of
the property, and the L agu na de C antena on the leew ard or w estern shores of th e property.
2.2.1 Bathymetry
There has been no published or anecdotal data or information on the depth profile or bathymetry
of the proposed project area. The bathymetric charts that have been published for Belize are not
of a scale or geographic focus to be relevant to the project site [Pers. comm.., G. Myvett].
The Tunich Nah Survey Team in its April/May site specific survey effort has done some limited
work in this area [See Fig. 2.2]. This survey was undertaken mainly to provide information to
guide informed judgment in regard to the placement and dimension of the access piers that are to
be constructed, that are an integral part of the proposed development.
The water depth 250 to 300 ft. from the beach is generally less than 0.5 m [See A-A’ & B-B’,
Fig. 2.2]. The depth profile as one proceeds in an eastward direction from the beach varies from
‘0’ at the low tide line, to approximately 0.3 to 0.4 m 20 to 30 ft. from the beach – the depth then
gets progressively shallower up to a distance of 200 to 250 ft. from the beach [See Fig. 2.2].
Beyond the 250 to 300 ft. mark, the water depth then again gets progressively deeper, where it
proceeds to 15 – 20 ft in the mid-reaches of the barrier lagoon. Seaward of the mid-reaches of the
barrier lagoon the water depth begins to get progressively shallower until a depth of 4 – 5 ft. is
attained at the landward or western limits of the back reef area. Water depths in the area of the
reef flat and pavement area varies from 1.5 ft. landward of the reef crest, to 4.0 ft at the landward
limit of the zone.
The shallow fore-reef zone varies from 15 – 20 ft in depth. The water depth proceeds to 350 –
400 ft. 150 m seaward of the reef crest. The deeper areas of the open ocean, referred to locally as
‘the blue’, is readily apparent 400 – 500 m seaward of the reef crest [Pers. comm.., G. Myvett].
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