Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association

Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, established in 2012 as a protected area under the authority of the Fisheries Department, is the largest of Belize’s three offshore Atolls, covering approximately 131, 690 ha.

The combination of extensive terrestrial and mangrove vegetation, closely connected to the productive coral reefs and seagrass beds of the central lagoon, and limited anthropogenic impacts makes this area unique within the Belize reef system, with a long-term history in supporting a traditional fishery based on conch, lobster and finfish, sustaining livelihoods in the coastal communities.

The seagrass and mangroves provide important nursery habitats for commercial species – both lobster and conch, and sport fish.