Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve

Belize, Belize

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Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve is a large marine protected area centered on Turneffe Atoll, the biggest coral atoll in Belize and in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system, lying about 30 miles off the central Belize coast. It was formally declared a reserve in 2012 and covers roughly 1,369 square kilometers, including the whole atoll plus surrounding open sea, making it Belize’s largest offshore atoll marine reserve. The reserve protects a rich mosaic of reefs, mangrove islands, seagrass beds, and deep‑water spawning grounds that support over 500 fish species, 65 kinds of stony coral, sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, and many seabirds, and it is regarded as a global biodiversity hotspot. Within the conservation zone commercial fishing is banned, while no‑take activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking are allowed, and limited sport or traditional fishing with a license is permitted in other parts of the reserve while aiming to sustain both ecosystems and coastal livelihoods.