DOE Sets Public Meeting to Present Findings on Belize River Fish Kill 

The Department of the Environment (DOE) will hold a public information session next month to present its final findings on the fish kill that struck the Belize River Valley in August.

The session is set for Friday, September 11th at 7pm at the Double Head Cabbage Village Community Center, where the DOE will share results from soil, water and fish tissue sample analysis and outline recommendations moving forward.

Earlier findings confirmed by the DOE pointed to agricultural runoff, flooding and an algae bloom as major contributors to the oxygen depletion and deaths of aquatic species along the 17.5-mile stretch of the Belize River. However, the department clarified that it had not identified a single source or responsible party. 

Attention had focused on agricultural operations, including Santander Sugar, after flooding was observed around its farms and drainage canals. The company has denied that its operations caused the fish kill and has said it gave the DOE unrestricted access to its facilities. 

However, satellite imagery showed severe flooding on Santander’s farmland just before the event, sending large volumes of water into the river. 

Meanwhile, Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai said Santander is not the only agricultural operation whose canals feed the affected waterway, and the company has cooperated fully with the investigation.

The September 11th session gives residents of the Belize River Valley and affected communities the chance to question DOE officials directly and learn what comes next for the river’s recovery.

Residents are being urged to attend.