Belize - WIDECAST

Belize Sea Turtles ...
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface
Acknowledgements
Table of Contents
List of Tables and Figures
Abstract (English, Spanish, French)
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I. INTRODUCTION 1
II. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF SEA TURTLES IN BELIZE 3
2.1 Caretta caretta, Loggerhead Sea Turtle 4
2.2 Chelonia mydas, Green Sea Turtle 5
2.3 Dermochelys coriacea, Leatherback Sea Turtle 7
2.4 Eretmochelys imbricata, Hawksbill Sea Turtle 8
2.5 Lepidochelys kempi, Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle 9
2.6 Lepidochelys olivacea, Olive Ridley Sea Turtle 10
III. STRESSES ON SEA TURTLES IN BELIZE 10
3.1 Destruction or Modification of Habitat 10
3.2 Disease or Predation 12
3.3 Over-utilization 12
3.4 Inadequate Regulatory Mechanisms 15
3.5 Other Natural or Man-made Factors 16
IV. SOLUTIONS TO STRESSES ON SEA TURTLES IN BELIZE 17
4.1 Manage and Protect Habitat 17
4.11 Identify essential habitat 17
4.111 Survey foraging areas 18
4.112 Survey nesting habitat 19
4.12 Develop area-specific management plans 20
4.121 Involve local coastal zone authorities 22
4.122 Develop regulatory guidelines 22
4.123 Provide for enforcement of guidelines 25
4.124 Develop educational materials 26
4.13 Prevent or mitigate degradation of nesting beaches 26
4.131 Sand mining 26
4.132 Lights 27
4.133 Beach stabilization structures 28
4.134 Beach cleaning equipment 29
4.135 Beach rebuilding projects 29
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