Built to Thrive: The Evolutionary Wonders of Shark Anatomy
Sharks first appeared in the fossil record nearly 400 million years ago, long before dinosaurs or the first trees took root. Today, more than a thousand shark and ray species are known to science, with new discoveries still emerging each year. Their remarkable longevity and diversity testify to a lineage finely tuned to life in the […]
A Mesoamerican Love Commute: One Male Loggerhead’s Yearly Journey
Each year, a mature male loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) undertakes a precise journey between Belize and Honduras, timed not by the calendar but by the courtship season. Thanks to satellite tracking, we now have a complete annual cycle of his movements, revealing how one turtle’s consistent route offers insights into marine connectivity, habitat use, and […]
Conservation of the Hawksbill Turtle in Masargandup: A Link Between Science and Guna Cosmovision
On a small island in the Panamanian Caribbean, north of the Gulf of Guna Yala, hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), a species on the verge of extinction, arrive each year to lay their eggs. Masargandup has been, for generations, a key site for their reproduction. Although surrounded by a relatively healthy reef ecosystem, the island now […]
Tides of Change: How a Honduran Fisherman Became an Unexpected Ally for Sharks
On the North Coast of Honduras, our new study on sharks and rays aims to generate key tools for the administration and management of marine protected areas, but to make these tools truly effective, we also need to reach the hands of those who know the ocean best. Enter Alex Juárez, a traditional fisherman whose […]
Panama: Key Sanctuary for Sharks and Rays
Did you know that sharks and rays have been around since before dinosaurs walked the Earth? Today, these ancient marine inhabitants face great threats, but they also show us their incredible resilience. Learn about their biology, the challenges they face and what we can do to protect them. Sharks and rays are true champions of […]
Fishermen and Science: New Allies for the Conservation of Sharks and Rays in Honduras
The North Coast of Honduras: A marine treasure to be protected The northern coast of Honduras is a true natural treasure, full of biodiversity and beauty, which is home to a series of protected areas that are fundamental for the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems. Among these various officially declared protected areas we find: […]
Marine Biodiversity Hotspots: Why Protecting These Regions Is Crucial for Global Ocean Health
What are Marine Biodiversity Hotspots? Marine biodiversity hotspots are regions teeming with a high number of species found nowhere else, many of which are endangered. Despite their ecological importance, these areas face significant threats such as habitat loss and degradation, placing them among the highest conservation priorities globally. Although hotspots represent critical strongholds for marine […]
The Secret Life of Mangroves: Exploring the Rich Biodiversity of These Ecosystems
Mangroves constitute one of the most productive and valuable coastal ecosystems on the planet. Their presence extends into tropical and subtropical intertidal zones, mainly along the coasts of the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. In the Americas, they are distributed from northern Mexico to southern Brazil, including many Caribbean islands. Despite occupying a relatively small […]
Cracking the Mystery of Shark and Ray Egg Cases
In coastal waters, mysterious pouches sometimes wash ashore, tangled in seaweed or nestled in rocky tide pools. They’re not trash, nor seaweed pods, but the egg cases of sharks and rays – nature’s ingenious design for protecting their young in a variety of marine habitats As Easter approaches and egg motifs appear in shops and […]
Sharks and Rays of Honduras: A Glimpse Into the Underwater Giants of the Caribbean
Honduras is widely recognized for its lush, mountainous landscapes and extraordinary terrestrial biodiversity. However, few are aware that the country’s maritime territory significantly exceeds its land area. Approximately 68% of Honduras’s territory is composed of marine waters, predominantly in the Caribbean Sea. This vast aquatic expanse provides an essential habitat for a diverse array of […]
Engaging Minds, Protecting Oceans: The Power of Education in Shark and Ray Conservation
Sharks and rays have lived in our Ocean for millions of years, yet human activity has put them at risk in just a few decades. Could public exhibits and knowledge-sharing help turn the tide? Overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change have pushed marine wildlife and ecosystems to the brink, with nearly 90% of ocean species […]
Mangroves: The Secret Guardians of Belize’s Fisheries
Mangroves: The Secret Guardians of Belize’s Fisheries Tangled roots rise from the water, creating a labyrinth of life beneath the surface. For juvenile fish, these coastal forests are more than just trees – they are sanctuaries, nurseries, and a foundation for sustainable fisheries. Mangroves are vital in Belize, where the economy and culture are deeply […]