FREE
The
April, 2016
PLACENCIA Breeze A Placencia BTIA Publication
Whale Sharks, the Sea and the Cayes April is one of the best months in Belize to snorkel and dive. The water is warm and clear, the sun shines bright and the whale sharks are visiting. One of the favourite destinations is the Silk Cayes and Gladden Spit Marine Reserve.
The Silks Cayes are three small cayes: North Silk, Middle Silk and South Silk and are located about 22 miles from Placencia and managed by Southern Environmental Association (SEA) who are a non governmental organization.
Silk Caye
Gladden Split is one of the best areas to get a chance to see a whale shark. Whale Sharks are the biggest shark in the world, can grow up to 40 feet, weigh up to 40 tons and they are very gentle plankton eaters. Some research has suggested that they can
As the Executive Director of The Marine Foundation I was delighted to have been invited by a group of Dangriga fishermen to create and install an underwater sculpture in Belize. I have installed a number of sculptures in Asia but this would be my first in the Caribbean. News about the environment is often so depressing and negative I established The Marine Foundation in 2009 with a purpose to engage community members and create positive stories through science and art. I was quickly introduced to Roberts Grove Beach Resort who became my partner sponsor and through collaboration with Southern Environmental Association (SEA), Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve was chosen as the installation location. On Sunday March 13th I was
Joy Tours, Ocean Motion, Placencia Eagle Ray Tours, Reef CI and Splash Dive Center can all take you out for an amazing adventure in our Caribbean Sea.
Dwayne Young of Joy Tours
Silk Sea Goddess By Celia Gregory
have a lifespan of up to 70 years.
team from Roberts Grove and SEA, the one ton sculpture was launched from the back of the boat thrilled to watch my “Silk Sea and landed perfectly on the seabed! Goddess” sink with a splash into She sits at a depth of 15 feet and is her new underwater home at south easily accessible from the island, so Silk Caye. Working with a great can be enjoyed by both snorkelers and SCUBA divers. I call this type of installation a “living sculpture” as over time, marine life will settle on her concrete structure, and she will become adorned with corals, sponges, and attract fish and other critters. Having snorkeled around the caye and seen the vibrant marine life, I feel happy that she has such a wonderful home and can add to the underwater experience for visitors to Silk Cayes. The sculpture represents an ancient global feminine symbol for nurturing life and protection. A fun, interactive attraction for visitors, the installation is also a tool for education and discussion around environmental issues. It was an amazing team effort and I am hugely grateful to Thunderbirds
Marine Boatyard who lifted the sculpture onto the boat and to Roberts Grove and SEA who made it happen! For more information and updates please check out www. themarinefoundation.org and The Marine Foundation Facebook page.
© Annelise Hagan