1. Under The Sea
Belize Barrier Reef

2. The Problem
There isn’t just one problem – there are multiple problems causing one giant effect. One major problem in the coral reef is overfishing. Beautiful fish such as tangs, triggerfish, and toadfish are being subject to overfishing. Not only are the numbers of these fishing decreasing, but so are their predators. The larger fish, squids, crab, jellies and turtles of the region are also suffering loss of food and therefore their numbers are decreasing. Another main factor to the endangerment of consumers is pollution. Trash, oil spills and chemical waste and pesticides all contribute to the demolishing of marine animals. Millions of marine animals suffer every year – and many just don’t have the means to rejuvenate. Manatees and turtles choke on lose trash, and otters die from oil poison. Even the birds of the shore are affected by our disrespectful acts. Pesticides have been found in pelican eggs for years now. Our economical means are also destroying the habitat of these marine animals. Tourist collect turtle eggs, crab eggs and bird eggs that are meant to grow &mature. These lives are snatched from their right to live while we continue to stand by.

3. How You Can Help
We the people of Belize need to step up for our own world. Just being conscious of your surrounding is all that’s needed to pitch in.
1. Put your trash in the TRASH CAN. Don’t drop it on or near the beach just because you don’t feel like walking to a trash can. That trash gets moved around by wind and eventually into the ocean.
2. Cut down on fish intake. Try to substitute your fish with other meats, or try eating fish that aren’t endangered or overfished. Visit online sites to find out which fish are safe.
3. Don’t pick up “stray” eggs or whole shells that look like they may not have a creature in them. Sometimes, hermit crabs may leave their shell for a short while and come back to it. Try to only collect shells that are visibly broken and empty.

4. Reach the Authorities
Even though you may help out how you can, there also has to be a big change higher up in the food chain. By signing the ‘Under the Sea’ petition, you are helping us bring the problems of the ocean to the authorities. With your help, we can show them that the ocean is just as important as the land, and that something has to be done about it. If we reach a great number of signatures, and more and more people become aware of the condition of our ocean, we can surely make a better environment for humans and fish alike.