The Team
The marine reserve is managed by a team of four staff members, who are based at the reserve headquarters on Middle Caye. The staff includes a manager, a biologist, and two rangers.
Alicia Eck - Reserve Manager
Alicia Eck has been working for the Belize Fisheries Department for over 6 years. She was previously the manager for Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve and National Park and has just recently joined the team at Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve as manager in November of 2008. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and substantial experience in Marine Protected Areas Management, and has been a part of many ongoing research programs being carried out throughout the country of Belize. Her duties at the reserve include overseeing the administration of the park, for example, making sure that the Rules and Regulations of the Park are being kept and enforcing the Fisheries Regulations. She also assists greatly with monitoring activities.
Elias Cantun ('Gordo') – Reserve Biologist
Elias has been working in marine conservation over the past seven years and brings great knowledge to the reserve. He first started as a reserve ranger and, due to his experience in the field, he was promoted to reserve biologist. He has been at Glover's Reef for the past two years. Elias is in charge of the monitoring activities carried out by the reserve staff at GRMR.
Gilford Martinez ('Tinez') – Reserve Ranger
Gilford brings great experience to the reserve. Apart from working in marine conservation for several years, he was once a fisherman who used to fish out at Glover's long before it became a marine reserve. His knowledge of the atoll has allowed him to teach the reserve staff a lot when it comes to enforcement in the area. His main role at the reserve is enforcement.
Luis Novelo ('Cap') – Reserve Ranger
Luis has worked in all three atolls in Belize. He is one of the key members of the reserve staff. Apart from being a ranger, he is like 'Mr. Fix It', wherever there's a problem we can always count on Luis to find a solution. His will and desire to work has also made him a strong team member in marine conservation efforts especially in the ongoing turtle monitoring project here at GRMR.
The reserve management team is assisted by the advice of the Glover's Reef Advisory Committee (GRAC), which was appointed for the Glover's Reef Marine Reserve several years ago, and was strengthened through the signing of a Stakeholder Agreement, on the 30th March 2000. The Committee has gone through a number of changes, and currently is comprised of the following members:
- Three members from the fishing co-operatives (Northern, National and Placencia)
- Three representatives of the residents (landowners) of Glover's Reef Atoll (B. Lomont, J. Schofield and H. Usher)
- Two representatives from Wildlife Conservation Society (Belize City Office and Research Facilities)
- One representative from the Fisheries Department
- One representative from the Co-operative Department
- One representative from the tour guides
- One representative from the Belize Audubon Society
- One representative from Dangriga Town Council
- One representative from Hopkins Village Council
- One representative from the fishermen of Sarteneja
- Manager, Glover's Reef Marine Reserve
The Committee is "responsible for making recommendations on decisions regarding the development of policies and issues affecting the management of the Glover's Reef Marine Reserve", through the following activities:
- Ensure regular revision and review of the management plan.
- Comment on and recommend legislation and regulations.
- Maintain an overview of management issues and, where necessary, provide advice on applications for permits relating to the site, and subdivisions and development on private land adjacent to the site.
- Report on matters impacting the site and liaise with government enforcement agencies.
- Assist with enforcement activities.
- Assist in the development of sustainable financing mechanisms for the site.
- Advise on and, where appropriate, assist with administrative matters, publicity, education and interpretive programmes, and decisions relating to research to be carried out in the site.
The Advisory Committee plays a vital role in the success of the reserve, by providing strategic support to the reserve personnel, leading to improved management on the ground and the ultimate achievement of the reserve's management objectives. It also acts as a mechanism for strengthening participation of fishermen in the management of the area - in particular in enforcement, with training and equipment.
Home | About GRMR | Management Zones | GRMR Services | Image Gallery | Service Providers | Contact Us
