Dredging in Placencia Lagoon Triggers Questions and Concerns

Fresh dredging activity in the Placencia Lagoon has triggered concern among residents and environmental groups. Concerns are mounting over one of southern Belize’s most biodiverse waterways being put at risk.

A video circulating online shows a dredging machine at work. One said online he’s “been watching it for weeks.”

The public reaction quickly drew the attention of environmental groups, with the Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC) raising concerns about what the dredging could mean to the wildlife at that specific location.

CRC’s Executive Director, Marissa Tellez, described it as “really disturbing”, adding that the lagoon is a critical habitat for manatees, sharks, dolphins, and the critically endangered American crocodile.

Of particular concern is a manatee feeding ground in the exact area being dredged. “To see this dredging happening in an area that we identified as a manatee feeding hotspot, and it is in published papers was just very disturbing,” she said.

News 5 has reached out to the Department of Environment’s Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Mai, and other relevant authorities. We are awaiting a response.