SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE

EARTHWATCH 2018

READ THIS EXPEDITION BRIEFING THOROUGHLY. It provides the most accurate information available at the time of your Earthwatch scientist’s project planning, and will likely answer any questions you have about the project. However, please also keep in mind that research requires improvisation, and you may need to be flexible. Research plans evolve in response to new findings, as well as to unpredictable factors such as weather, equipment failure, and travel challenges. To enjoy your expedition to the fullest, remember to expect the unexpected, be tolerant of repetitive tasks, and try to find humor in difficult situations. If there are any major changes in the research plan or field logistics, Earthwatch will make every effort to keep you well informed before you go into the field.

IMMEDIATELY• Make sure you understand and agree to Earthwatch’s

Terms and Conditions and the Participant Code of Conduct.

• If you plan to purchase additional travel insurance, note that some policies require purchase at the time your expedition is booked.

6 MONTHS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION• Log in at earthwatch.org to complete your

participant forms.• If traveling internationally, make sure your passport

is current and, if necessary, obtain a visa for your destination country.

• Bring your level of fitness up to the standards required (see the Project Conditions section).

90 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION• Pay any outstanding balance for your expedition.• Book travel arrangements (see the Travel Planning

section for details).• Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations for

your project site.

60 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION• Review the packing list to make sure you have all the

clothing, personal supplies, and equipment needed.

30 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION• Leave the Earthwatch 24-hour helpline number with

a parent, relative, or friend.• Leave copies of your photo ID and flight reservation

number with a parent, relative, or friend.

PLANNING CHECKLIST

PLANNING CHECKLIST

1SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTSNOTE FROM THE PI ........................................ 2

THE RESEARCH .............................................. 4

DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD ............................... 7

ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD ...................... 8

PROJECT CONDITIONS ................................. 10

POTENTIAL HAZARDS ................................. 12

HEALTH & SAFETY ....................................... 14

TRAVEL TIPS ................................................ 15

EXPEDITION PACKING CHECKLIST ............. 16

PROJECT STAFF ........................................... 18

RECOMMENDED READING ........................... 20

LITERATURE CITED ...................................... 21

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY VISITOR RELEASE FORM ............................. 22

EMERGENCY NUMBERS ............................... 24

SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE 20182

First and foremost I would like to thank you for pledging your time and energy to our Earthwatch project, Shark Conservation in Belize. As you will soon see, Belize is a beautiful country with a rich cultural and ecological heritage, and I am sure you will treasure your time here. I first came to Belize in July 2000. Now, more than a decade and more than 35 expeditions later, I have fallen in love with this country, its barrier reef ecosystem, and its people.

Since I was a boy in New Zealand, sharks have been my passion. When I arrived in Belize, one would only occasionally see sharks in the fish market, and the prices paid for them were modest. This changed. Today, fishermen are exploiting sharks in Belize until recently without any regulation.

My team has deployed baited remote underwater videos (BRUVs)—GoPro cameras placed in front of a bait source— to count sharks on reefs where fishing is allowed, and found that sharks are nearly absent on these reefs. Yet there is still hope for the sharks of Belize. Our BRUV deployments have found robust and thriving shark populations in marine reserves, reefs where fishing is prohibited. It is our goal to survey these areas and to prove how and why they are working for shark conservation. We have also discovered that stingrays may be altering their distribution and behavior based on the presence of sharks on the reef. Sharks could therefore be indirectly affecting soft bottom habitats because stingrays are important ecosystem engineers in these areas. To obtain the information necessary to better protect sharks and rays, we will be throwing on our work gloves, deploying BRUVs, and tracking sharks and rays in some of the most beautiful reefs in the Caribbean. Most importantly, we will be communicating our results to the people and government of Belize so that they can take action. We have already helped the government complete a National Plan of Action for Sharks, obtained critical information on the shark fishery, helped draft regulations for new protected areas, and convinced them to protect all of the rays living in their waters. With your help we will ensure that these majestic predators do not disappear from the Belize Barrier Reef.

See you on the water!

Dr. Demian Chapman

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3SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE 2018

THE STORYMany shark populations are collapsing (Baum et al. 2003, Robbins et al. 2006), which can affect the health of the marine ecosystem (Stevens et al. 2000, Heithaus et al. 2008). The Caribbean nation of Belize was once a haven for sharks because it has the second largest barrier reef on Earth, coupled with a network of marine reserves that are used for conservation. Yet, an increase in shark fishing in the area—which includes Caribbean reef sharks, lemon sharks, hammerhead sharks, bull sharks, and tiger sharks—is raising concerns that shark populations may collapse even here. Fueled by high prices paid for shark fins used to make soup (Bonfil 1997, Clarke et al. 2006), fishermen are depleting shark populations on an epic scale. In Belize, they set miles of monofilament gillnet day after day to catch sharks. It is now easy to find piles of dead sharks in the market in many coastal towns. It is unlikely that populations can sustain these losses because some sharks are late to mature and have relatively few young.

RESEARCH AIMSWe are addressing two major research questions. The first is to determine if marine reserves are an effective conservation tool for enhancing shark populations, which we are answering by tracking shark population trends and individual movements. The second is to investigate the effects of sharks on the coral reef ecosystem. Once these data are analyzed we will communicate our findings to the public and policymakers, which will shape shark conservation strategies nationally and regionally.

THE RESEARCHSHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE

SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE 20184

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We are testing two predictions associated with the hypothesis that marine reserves enhance shark populations: first, that sharks are consistently more abundant in marine reserves than on fished reefs, and second, that shark abundance will increase in newly established marine reserves (a prediction that has not been previously tested). We are collecting data at three sites: South Water Caye, a new marine reserve where fishing was prohibited only about four years ago; Glover’s Reef, an established marine reserve; and Turneffe Atoll, a heavily fished site. If marine reserves benefit sharks, we predict that we will find more sharks at Glover’s Reef than at the other two sites, and that the shark population will increase over time at South Water Caye while remaining stable at the other two sites.

We measure shark abundance at all of these sites using cameras placed in front of bait cages (baited remote underwater video surveys or “BRUVs”). A bait cage contains one kilogram of chopped sardines, which attracts sharks and carnivorous fish. By counting the number of sharks that swim into the field of view, we can estimate shark abundance and compare the results between sites and across years to test the predictions of our hypothesis. In addition, the BRUV data we collect are part of the Global FinPrint project (www.globalfinprint.org), which is the largest standard survey of sharks and rays on the world’s coral reefs. The Global FinPrint analysis will allow us to measure how the abundance and diversity of sharks and rays in Belize compares to reefs in other parts of the world. It will also enable us to determine what features of a coral reef determine how many sharks and rays live on it.

Our analysis of BRUV data collected from Belize indicates that Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) are more abundant inside marine reserves (Bond et al. 2012). We hypothesize that this is because individuals reside on the reef where they were born, which means that those born inside reserves are protected from fishing for their whole life. The next phase of our research on the effects of marine reserves on sharks is to test this hypothesis by tracking individual reef sharks from the first year of life to after they reach sexual maturity. We predict that individuals fitted with coded acoustic transmitters will be found around Glover’s Reef for the entire lifetime of the transmitter (about 10 years). We plan on fitting at least 30 individual Caribbean reef sharks with transmitters in 2017 and 2018, while also maintaining an array of 22 underwater ‘listening” posts at Glover’s Reef (“receivers”) that will allow us to see if they reside there for up to a decade.

Predators affect ecosystems through the lethal and non-lethal effects of predation; however, their role in moving nutrients around within ecosystems may have been underappreciated. In nutrient poor ecosystems, such as coral reefs, locally abundant groups of predators may increase the effects of dispersed nutrients. Likewise, by eating in one habitat (removing nutrients), and egesting it into another (releasing nutrients), predators can form links between, and connect, habitats. Nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) are large, dominant marine predators on Caribbean coral reefs. Because of this, they may be a significant source of organic nutrients in coral reef ecosystems, and could be moving nutrients between between different habitats (flats, lagoon, reef). Unfortunately, knowledge of nutrient transfer by sharks is limited, and several questions remain on the effect of predator-mediated nutrient transfer. Earthwatch volunteers will help us elucidate some of these unknowns by determining the sources of nurse shark nutrients, where these nutrients are released, and the extent of habitat connectivity that is mediated by nurse sharks at Glover’s Reef Atoll. A variety of methods will be combined to investigate the extent of nurse shark habitat connectivity, including stable isotope analysis (SIA) where blood and tissue samples will be taken to figure out what habitat nurse sharks are feeding in, passive acoustic telemetry to determine core-area use, and accelerometry to determine fine scale movements of the sharks at various depths and temperatures. Accelerometers will pop-off after approximately 56 hours, float at the surface, and will be retrieved using a VHF radio. By combining the information gathered from each of these methods we can then determine where nurse sharks are getting their nutrients, estimate where these nutrients are released, and evaluate the role of nurse sharks in nutrient cycling, and the extent at which they may connect lagoon and fore reef habitats.

Stingrays are some of the least understood vertebrates and face many of the same threats as sharks. Stingrays are important ecosystem engineers as they disturb the sediment, releasing otherwise unused nutrients into the marine ecosystem. The extent at which this nutrient release is happening is unknown, and may be influenced by the presence or absence of predators (i.e., large sharks). We hypothesize that the presence of large sharks on coral reefs likely affects the behavior of stingrays. We are interested in finding out if stingrays living on reefs where they are exposed to predation from sharks (e.g., Glover’s Reef) exhibit different behaviors than individuals living on reefs where the threat from sharks is much lower (e.g., South Water Caye). To test this we will be capturing southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) and attaching accelerometer tags that measure water temperature and depth, speed, and body movements. Some tags will also include a video camera for calibrating the accelerometer measurements to the animal’s behavior. These archival tags self-detach from the animal after 48 to 72 hours and will be recovered using an antenna to detect the radio signal as it floats on the surface. After recovery, data will be downloaded, enabling us to measure behaviors within the 48 to 72-hour period. We can then test for a significant difference in stingray behavior at the two research sites. If our hypothesis is correct, we would expect to see stingrays at South Water Caye spending more time on the deeper, more exposed parts of the reef, more time foraging, and less time refuging than the stingrays at Glover’s Reef, which have to invest more in anti-predator behavior.

Communication is also an essential part of the battle for conservation. We investigate local attitudes toward sharks and marine reserves, and use our BRUV footage to show local stakeholders, business leaders, and policymakers that marine reserves have more robust large fish and shark populations. We aim to convince them that continued investment in and expansion of the marine reserve network will benefit sharks and other wildlife that are important for tourism.

HOW YOU WILL HELPYou will assist researchers in the following activities:

CATCHING SHARKS AND STINGRAYS BY HOOK AND LINE FOR TRANSMITTER APPLICATION AND SAMPLE COLLECTION.Using longlines, you will help capture sharks and rays. All large sharks are firmly secured to the side of the research vessel prior to data collection and are kept in the water for the whole procedure. Small sharks and all stingrays are brought aboard for workup. Some of the stingray workup will occur in shallow water, with staff members securely holding the animals in a large net. You will help with all facets of this process except the securing and final release of the animal, which will be carried out by experienced staff. You will also assist in the measurement of environmental data.

TRACKING THE MOVEMENTS OF SHARKS AND STINGRAYS.Shark movements will be remotely tracked using acoustic receivers that will need to be periodically recovered, downloaded, cleaned, and returned to their moorings. Volunteers will help with this process, which will include navigation to the point, snorkeling to locate the mooring, and cleaning the receiver to keep it in working order. Detached stingray and nure shark tags will be actively located and recovered using a radio antenna. Volunteers will help retrieve the tags.

DEPLOYMENT OF BRUV UNITS IN THE FIELD.This involves maintenance of the units, transport by boat, deployment (using a rope and float), measurement of environmental data, and recovery of the units by rope and float. If time permits, BRUVs will be reviewed at the end of each sampling day. You will be trained in shark and stingray species identification.

SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE 20186

On this expedition, you’ll be based at one of two field stations: South Water Caye (Teams 4–6), which is located approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) southeast of Dangriga on the main part of the Belize Barrier Reef; or Glover’s Reef Atoll (Teams 1–3, 7) approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) off the coast, one of the most remote and well protected of the three offshore atolls within the Belize Barrier Reef.

The station where each team is located will be subject to change at the discretion of the scientists based on projected weather and sea conditions, for safety, and in order to maximize your time in the field. Your team may spend some field time at both sites, but you’ll work on the same research, regardless of site, with the exception of the shark and ray tracking project which only takes place at Glover’s Reef. We will conduct shark fishing operations at South Water Caye, however, to assess the feasibility of a parallel tracking study there in the future, to collect taxonomic information on stingray species living in the area, and to deploy accelerometers on stingrays.

DAILY ACTIVITIESWeather and research needs can lead to changes in the daily schedule. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

Activities will generally be divided into “home” and “away” categories. Home activities will include gear preparation, gear maintenance, bait preparation, and organization. Away activities will include BRUV deployment/retrieval, shark fishing, bait acquisition, receiver recovery or deployment, stingray fishing, accelerometer retrieval, and snorkeling (the latter is recreational/educational in nature and not required). We are set up for all team members to be able to participate in all away excursions during their expedition if they are able, but it is not mandatory. A typical day would involve away activities in the morning between breakfast and lunch, with another away activity in the afternoon and potentially at night. Night activities are always optional.

ITINERARYDAY 1 Rendezvous in Belize City airport, head directly to

South Water Caye (~2 hours) or Glover’s Reef (~ 3 hours). Project briefing and training, social activity.

DAY 2 Snorkeling and training.DAY 3–7 Fieldwork.DAY 8 Departure from field site to Belize City Airport.

Early morning departure from study site. The team will be in Belize City by 10:00 a.m. International flights should not be scheduled before noon.

DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELDPLANS FOR YOUR TEAM

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SLEEPINGAccommodations at South Water Caye and Glover’s Reef are dorm style. In all cases, sleeping rooms will be divided by gender. All bedding is provided, and rooms have electric fans. If families or couples want to stay in the same room, please inform Earthwatch in advance and we will try to accommodate your request. Please note that room selection is done by the field stations and is not up to Earthwatch or the field staff.

BATHROOMSShower facilities are located near the rooms. Showers and sinks are fed by captured freshwater during the rainy season and for most of the year; we only resort to pumped well water during the driest times. Showers do not have hot water. Enclosed, non-polluting composting toilets are near the dormitories at each site.

ELECTRICITYIn Belize the standard voltage is 110/220 V. The standard frequency is 60 Hz. The power sockets that are used are of type B / G. Please note that electricity on the islands can be interrupted by weather conditions.

All rooms have 24-hour electricity, electrical sockets, and an electric fan. 110/ 220 (Type B sockets). *Island electricity is not guaranteed to be consistent, and can be interrupted by weather, so volunteers who rely on CPAP machines at night should reconsider joining this project.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOODABOUT YOUR HOME IN THE FIELD

SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE 20188

PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONSWireless Internet with slow connectivity is available at both sites but should be used sparingly. Outages are common. *Please keep in mind that we are on an island and both internet and electricity can be interrupted based on weather conditions.

FACILITIES AND AMENITIESBoth field stations have refrigerators and freezers in the kitchen that can be used to store medication. Additional field station details can be found at www.wcsgloversreef.org/ (Glover’s Reef) and www.izebelize.com/south-water-caye/ (South Water Caye).

DISTANCE TO THE FIELD SITEVariable but usually 1–10 kilometers (0.6–6 miles). You’ll be transported to and from the field in a small boat.

FOOD AND WATERFull-time cooks are responsible for the kitchen and dining area. Meals are served three times a day on a fixed schedule, with packed lunches available if necessary. You will enjoy mostly Belizean cuisine, complemented by a few non-local dishes. Food and other supplies are purchased on the mainland and arrive once every two weeks, normally on Fridays.

South Water Caye and Glover’s Reef have large dining halls, and we eat meals together with the Belizean station staff. Breakfast is from 7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m., lunch from 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m., and dinner from 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. This may change slightly if either one of the field stations have other researchers present. Field activities are planned around meals. Some snacks are available during the day, but we also recommend that you bring some of your own snacks from the mainland. There are no stores nearby.

The following are examples of foods you may find in the field. Variety depends on availability. We appreciate your flexibility.

TYPICAL MEALSBREAKFAST Bread or something similar (fried jacks,

journey cake or johnny cake, cornbread, pancakes) with meat (ham, sausage, bacon) and a selection of fruit

LUNCH Pasta, chicken, pizza, fish, stewed beef with beans and rice, salad, or cooked vegetables on the side, dessert

DINNER Similar options as lunchBEVERAGES Water, tea, and coffee are available to drink.

Some soft drinks are available for purchase at South Water Caye. No alcohol is allowed at the field stations. Drinking water is available at all times.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTSPlease alert Earthwatch to any special dietary requirements (e.g., diabetes, lactose intolerance, nut or other food allergies, vegetarian or vegan diets) as soon as possible, and note them in the space provided on your volunteer forms.

SPECIAL NOTE TO VEGANS: Please be aware that it is often difficult to accommodate strict vegans. It may be possible to get meatless meals but vegans may have a problem avoiding animal products altogether. If this is an issue, then participation on this Earthwatch expedition should be seriously reconsidered.

9SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE 2018

The information that follows is as accurate as possible, but please keep in mind that conditions may change.

Belize is a tropical country, and most expeditions will take place in the summer season. You are likely to encounter temperatures as high as 90º–100ºF (32º–38ºC).

In addition, some days will probably have high precipitation and humidity. Brief periods of intense rain are not uncommon during the field season. More extreme tropical storms and hurricanes traditionally occur from June through November, with late August, September, and October as the most active periods.

There are biting insects at the study sites, including sand flies and mosquitoes, so bring repellent. It is also wise to bring and frequently use antibacterial soap to avoid getting infected insect bites.

GENERAL CONDITIONSThe following are averages. Please check weather resources for your team dates for more accurate weather predictions. Projects have experienced unseasonable weather at all times of year

HUMIDITY: 70%–85%TEMPERATURE RANGE: 74º–100º (23º–38º C)RAINFALL: 4–8 in (102–203 mm)

PROJECT CONDITIONSTHE FIELD ENVIRONMENT

SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE 201810

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BOATING CONDITIONSWe work from an open 25-foot wooden research vessel. There is no bathroom on board, but we can take bathroom breaks during the workday on nearby islands.

There is no canopy or shade on the boat, so shirts, brimmed hats, neck gaiters (or light scarves), and consistently re-applied sunscreen are essential.

The vessel has seats and safety equipment. There is always somewhere nearby to seek protection from the wind in the study area. We plan our research accordingly, and will adjust work plans so that the volunteers are comfortable with the sea conditions.

We lift equipment on and off of the boat (which involves lowering a metal frame and 70-pound BRUV over the side). You may assist or opt out of this activity. Most of the items being lifted on and off the boat weigh less than five pounds.

WATER CONDITIONSTYPICAL WATER TEMPERATURE DURING PROJECT: 72ºF (22ºC)–86ºF (30ºC)TYPICAL WATER VISIBILITY: 15 ft. (5 m) to 100 ft. (30 m)TYPICAL MAXIMUM WATER DEPTH (BOTTOM DEPTH) IN AREA: 4 ft. (1m) to 200 ft. (70 m)TYPES OF WATER ENVIRONMENT: lagoon, fore reef (the outer, unsheltered part of the reef closest to the open ocean); the water can be rough, open oceanTIMING OF BOAT-BASED WORK: Day, early eveningLIKELY SEA STATE: 0 ft./m to 5 ft. (2 m)

SNORKELING CONDITIONSSnorkeling is entirely optional but highly recommended and often done as a group activity.SNORKELING CONDITIONS: calm seas with little to no current.ANTICIPATED DEPTH OF SNORKELING: 4 ft. (1 m) to 30 ft. (9 m)ANTICIPATED NUMBER OF SNORKELING OUTINGS A DAY: 1 or 2SNORKELING INITIATED FROM: Boat and dockTIMING OF SNORKELING: Day onlyEGRESS INTO WATER: Ladder or over ledge

ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:All participants must be able to:

• Follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently or with the assistance of a companion.

• Wear all protective equipment recommended or required by industry standards.

• Work on a boat for approximately four to five hours per day with limited break options (e.g., there is no bathroom on the boat, except for the ocean or the islands where we will stop)

• Maintain a seated, upright position within boat during transit, which can sometimes be bumpy. This can be uncomfortable for individuals with back problems.

• Enjoy being outdoors all day in all types of weather and in the potential presence of wild animals and insects.

• Endure tropic (hot and humid) work conditions.• Be comfortable with living in and moving between remote

study sites.• Do without CPAP machines for the length of the project as

this project may not have a reliable source of electricity throughout the night.

HAZARD TYPE ASSOCIATED RISKS AND PRECAUTIONSTransportation All teams will depart Dangriga by boat after the rendezvous. Be prepared for potentially rough seas,

especially in transit to Glover’s Reef. Crossing through the barrier reef to Glover’s Reef involves approx. 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) of travel across open water. In contrast, crossings to South Water Caye are shorter in duration and less exposed. The vessel is large, fully equipped with safety equipment (life jackets, flares, first aid kit), navigation, and communication items. However, there is always potential for the ride to become very bumpy for some portion of the trip. It is essential that volunteers carry a sturdy rain-jacket, drinking water, sun-block on the boat, and put any electronic item they are taking to the field site that is stowed in their luggage (e.g., phone, laptop) in a plastic bag.

Hiking/Walking Minimal dangers given the small size and flatness of the island. Wear closed-toe footwear (e.g., Crocs, not flip flops) at all times to avoid cuts.

Insects Sand flies (also known as “sand fleas” or “no-see-ums”) and mosquitoes are nuisances throughout the year. Sand flies are believed to be a vector for leishmaniasis in some regions. Some find them to be only irritating, but occasionally people have very bad reactions to the bites. Please come prepared with an oral antihistamine that you know you can tolerate, as well as a topical anti-itch cream. Those traveling from outside the Americas may have a more severe reaction to bites. To avoid sand flies, wear lightweight long pants and socks in the evening (they generally bite from the knees down). Mosquitoes may transmit a number of diseases, including malaria and zika virus, which are present in Belize (see the Safety section for more information). Repellents containing DEET work well against mosquitoes. To avoid them, also wear lightweight long pants, shirts, and socks in the evening.

Marine Animals/Plants

Working with sharks and stingrays alongside or in a boat is inherently dangerous. All sharks and stingrays we work with are hooked in the mouth and are secured prior to the workup. Teams will be heavily supervised during this activity and will not touch sharks forward of their dorsal fins. Stingray spines will be removed by staff both for safety and for use as a scientific sample. The staff members have years of experience working with sharks and stingrays without incident.

Potentially dangerous animals that could be encountered while snorkeling include sharks, stingrays, sea urchins, lionfish, and jellyfish. Although rare, saltwater crocodiles have been seen at both sites. Staff will train you to identify dangerous species and to avoid touching any organisms. Those with a severe allergy to bee or wasp stings may have a similarly dangerous reaction to corals and jellyfish, and must carry an EpiPen at all times and notify staff of its location.

Climate/ Weather The Caribbean sun is very intense. Please bring plenty of good-quality waterproof sunscreen at several SPF levels. You will also want to bring after-sun lotion to soothe your skin after a long day in the sun. Some volunteers have found it helpful to bring long-sleeved, lightweight, quick-drying shirts and long pants to wear when not in the water (including on the boat between snorkels). A hat with a wide brim and a neck gaiter or loose scarf are recommended, as are polarized sunglasses and a cord to secure them around your neck. With the sun comes heat and risks of overheating and dehydration. Both can lead to illness. Drinking water frequently and minimizing exposure to the sun will help make your experience more enjoyable. Brief periods of intense rain are not uncommon during the field season so a sturdy rain jacket is mandatory. More extreme tropical storms and hurricanes traditionally occur from June through November with late August, September, and October as the most active periods. A hurricane plan exists and will be followed in the case of an extreme weather event. Because of the high humidity, people who use a hearing aid may find it doesn’t work properly. Consider purchasing a hearing aid dehumidifier.

For teams arriving in January, warmer clothing is necessary. Volunteers will be reminded each day about appropriate clothing requirements. In extremely windy/stormy weather, field activities will cease until weather improves.

POTENTIAL HAZARDSSHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE

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Project Tasks/ Equipment

We will be working with some sharp items (hooks) and bait (spines). Volunteers will be issued gloves and will be trained in the safe handling of these items.

Working on a Boat Working aboard a small boat poses risks. Bouncing or jostling can be quite uncomfortable for volunteers with chronic back problems or a history of seasickness. Boat surfaces are wet and can be slippery, putting one at risk of falling and injury. You must be able to keep your balance on a rocking boat. Unplanned immersion in the water from falling overboard can also put one at risk of injury and/or cold related illnesses. The boats are equipped with appropriate safety equipment including life jackets for each person. The trips to and from the Glover’s Reef can be rough, bumpy, jarring, and wet. Volunteers will be trained how to move around the boat safely. Sensible footwear (shoes, sandals), but not flip-flops, will be mandatory on the boat at all times.

Personal Security There is a security guard on the island, and no one lives on the cayes except for the station staff.Swimming Be aware that swimming may be possible during recreational time and typical water-related risks will be

present, such as strong currents, jellyfish, etc. A certified lifeguard is unlikely to be available at all times. A provided dive flag is required to be displayed from the dock or floated behind you.

Snorkeling There are inherent risks to snorkeling, including the effects of environmental conditions, nitrogen (for those who’ve recently been scuba diving), barotrauma, boat traffic, marine life, and other risks specific to your own physical/medical history. When snorkeling, it is important to learn to properly control your breathing to reduce the risk of hyperventilation and blackout. You need to bring and maintain your own mask, snorkel, fins, booties, and exposure protection (e.g., rashguard). Snorkel vests can be provided for those that either prefer them or are required to use them. It is critical that you ensure that all gear is in good working order and you are fully trained in appropriate response if a failure occurs while in the water. All snorkeling will be optional and conducted in groups, with rigorous practice of the buddy system. Each buddy pair will trail a dive float and our small research vessel with at least one Field Staff besides the captain will follow the group during the activity. If volunteers choose to snorkel during their free time on the island, they must do so in designated areas approved by staff and understand there is no lifeguard on duty. They should also practice the buddy system and take a dive float out with them. Typical in-water hazards include fire coral, sea urchins, jellyfish, occasional boat traffic, strong currents, dangerous bottom conditions (drop-off, mud), biting or territorial animals.

You are required to bring your own snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, and fins), should you choose to participate. Please check your gear for functionality prior to your arrival as there are no dive shops at the field stations. Avoid bringing short swim fins; proper snorkeling fins are essential.

Distance from Medical Care

The nearest hospital is from 22–35 kilometers (13–21 miles) away from the project site by boat (depending on base location), and it may take up to two hours to arrange transport and reach the hospital. If you have a chronic condition which could require immediate medical care (e.g., heart conditions, kidney problems, severe asthma, etc.), or if you are pregnant, please discuss your participation on this expedition with your physician. It is important to keep in mind that the Glover’s Reef site is the more remote site, and it is not easy to get to, even in the event of an emergency.

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EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELDProject staff members are not medical professionals, but several have training and certifications that allow them to provide care to the injured or sick until professional assistance is available. The station manager and two additional station staff members are first-aid trained, and one of them is also qualified in wilderness medicine. A comprehensive first-aid kit and oxygen set for dive-related injuries are maintained at the station. The research vessel uses VHF radios to communicate with the station.

For emergency assistance in the field, please contact Earthwatch’s 24-hour emergency hotline number on the last page of this briefing. Earthwatch is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; someone is always on call to respond to messages that come into our live answering service.

IMMUNIZATIONS & TRAVEL VACCINATIONSPlease be sure your routine immunizations are up-to-date (for example: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) and you have the appropriate vaccinations for your travel destination. Medical decisions are the responsibility of each volunteer and his or her doctor, and the following are recommendations only. Visit cdc.gov or who.int for guidance on immunizations.

If traveling from countries or region where yellow fever is endemic, you must have a certificate of vaccination.

HEALTH & SAFETYSHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE

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YOUR DESTINATIONLANGUAGE: English, Creole, Spanish. The project will be conducted in English.

TIME ZONE: GMT/UTC -6.

CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS: Belize is a predominantly Christian culture. Shorts and t-shirts are fine for both men and women. Swimwear is appropriate for time spent on the Cayes, but not for Dangriga or Belize City, where shirts and shoes are recommended at all times.

LOCAL CURRENCY: Belize Dollar (BZD), but most vendors accept both U.S. and Belizean currency. ATMs in Belize pay out in BZD. The exchange rate on the street is $2BZD to $1US.

In the field there is no access to ATMs, so you should carry some cash with you. It is possible to purchase limited snacks and souvenirs at study sites, so budget according to how much you think you want to spend on these items. Expect a markup of about 20–30% on U.S. prices for most snack items in the field. We recommend that volunteers carry at least US$100.

COUNTRY AND PROJECT ENTRY REQUIREMENTSEntry visa requirements differ by country of origin, layover, and destination, and do change unexpectedly. For this reason, please confirm your visa requirements at the time of booking and, again, 90 days prior to travel. Please apply early for your visa (we recommend starting 6 months prior to the start of your expedition). Refunds will not be made for volunteers cancelling due to not obtaining their visa in time to meet the team at the rendezvous. You can find up to date visa requirements via one of the following sites:

www.passportsandvisas.comwww.travisa.com

If a visa is required, participants should apply for a TOURIST visa. Please note that obtaining a visa can take weeks or even months. We strongly recommend using a visa agency, which can both expedite and simplify the process.

Generally, passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and a return ticket is required.

You must keep the immigration card issued to you upon arrival in Belize! Visitors are advised to keep it with their travel documents as you will be required to present it to an Immigration Officer upon your departure.

CONTACT INFORMATIONYou may be required to list the following contact information on your visa application and immigration form, or if your luggage does not make it to baggage claim at your destination:

Wildlife Conservation SocietyP.O. Box 7681755 Coney Drive2nd Floor Coral GrovesBelize City, BelizePHONE: +501-223-3005

DEPARTURE TAXES: The US$35 departure tax is payable at Belize International airport in U.S. currency. Paying by credit is usually possible.

TRAVEL TIPSSUGGESTIONS FOR THE ROAD

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EXPEDITION PACKING LISTWHAT TO BRING

GENERALq This expedition briefingq Your travel plans, rendezvous details, and Earthwatch’s

emergency contact informationq Photocopies of your passport, flight itinerary, and

credit cards in case the originals are lost or stolen; the copies should be packed separately from the original documents

q Passport and/or visa (if necessary)q Certification of vaccination (if necessary)q Documentation for travel by minors (if necessary)q Signed copy of WCS Release Form

(For Glover’s Reef, Teams 1, 2, 3, 7)

CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOR FIELDWORKq Earthwatch t-shirtq Reef shoes, booties, or sandals

(corals can be sharp and cut your feet)q Casual shoesq Bathing suits (two)q Quick-drying, lightweight shorts (two or three pairs)q Loose-fitting, quick-drying, comfortable pants

(one or two pairs)—pants with zip-off legs work well and can double as shorts

q Quick-drying, lightweight shirts (two to four)q Lightweight, long-sleeved, quick-drying shirts

to prevent sunburn (one or two)q Rain gear (especially for teams in June and July—

non-waterproof nylon jackets will get soaked through)q Hat with wide brim (a chin strap is recommended

for the boat)q Thin socks for mosquito protectionq Neck gaitor or light scarf for sun protection

CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOR LEISUREq At least one set of clothing to keep clean for end

of expeditionq Flip flops

FIELD SUPPLIESq Small daypack to keep your personal items together

and dryq Insect repellent spray with DEET for mosquitoes

and sand flies (OFF Deep Woods® or equivalent recommended)

q Sunscreen (waterproof with SPF 30+)q Lip balm with SPFq One water bottle able to hold at least one liter q Polarized sunglasses with a strapq Hard case to protect sunglasses or prescription glasses

on the boatq Alarm clock or watchq Headlamp or flashlight or torch with extra batteries

and extra bulb

BEDDING AND BATHINGNOTE: Bedding and a pillow will be provided by the field station. You should bring one bath towelq Beach towelq Shower sandals

PERSONAL SUPPLIESq Personal toiletries (biodegradable soaps and shampoos

are encouraged)q Antibacterial wipes or lotion (good for cleaning hands

while in the field)q Personal first aid kit (e.g., anti-diarrhea pills, antibiotics,

antiseptic, itch-relief, pain reliever, bandages, blister covers, etc.) and medications

q Spending money

EXPEDITION PACKING CHECKLIST

17SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE 2018

OPTIONAL ITEMSq Snorkel gear: mask, snorkel, and long fins, plus extra

mask and fin straps. Snorkeling is optional; please bring gear if you plan to snorkel. (highly recommended—lots of volunteers have regretted not bringing these)

q Extra sunglasses and hat (highly recommended)q Seasickness medications (Dramamine, Bonine, etc.)

if there is ANY chance you will get sickq Thin (one to three millimeter) wetsuit if you are prone

to getting cold in the water; at minimum we recommend bringing a rash guard for sun protection during snorkeling

q Comfortable shoes to change into after conducting field work

q Granola bars, energy bars, or other snacks (particularly to supplement meals if you are a vegetarian, or have any other special dietary requirements)

q Binocularsq Pack-towel or sarongq Camera, film or memory card(s), extra camera batteryq Hardware for sharing digital photographs at the end of

the expeditionq Dry bag or plastic sealable bags (e.g. Ziploc) to protect

equipment like cameras from dust, humidity, and waterq Books, games, art supplies, etc. for free timeq Earplugs for light sleepers

NOTE: Do not bring more luggage than you can carry and handle on your own. If traveling by air and checking your luggage, we advise you to pack an extra set of field clothing and personal essentials in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost or delayed.

NOTE: The specific staff scheduled to run your team is subject to change.

DEMIAN CHAPMAN, the project director, is an Associate Professor at Florida International University (FIU). Originally from New Zealand, Dr. Chapman received his Ph.D. in 2007 from Nova Southeastern University (Florida) and was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Miami. He is the Co-Lead Scientist of the Predator Ecology and Conservation Laboratory at FIU. Dr. Chapman is an internationally recognized shark expert and has published over 70 publications on shark genetics, virgin births, the shark fin trade, and shark tracking, among other topics. He was recently awarded the 2014 Pew Fellowship in marine conservation and has a $4M grant from the Vulcan Foundation to lead Global FinPrint, the largest survey of reef sharks and rays ever undertaken (www.globalfinprint.org). Schedule: To be determined.

ELIZABETH BABCOCK, the project co-director, is an Associate Professor at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. Dr. Babcock, who received her Ph.D. from the University of Washington, is a quantitative fisheries scientist with experience in fisheries stock assessment and marine fish conservation for species including sharks, billfishes, and sturgeons. She is especially adept at using advanced mathematical approaches to inform management of fisheries for which traditional data are lacking. Dr. Babcock is increasingly interested in marine reserves and the ecosystem impacts of fisheries, which stems in part from her ten years working at Glover’s Reef in Belize. Schedule: To be determined.

YANNIS PAPASTAMATIOU is an Assistant Professor at Florida International University (FIU) who has been studying sharks and fishes for over 16 years, resulting in 50 scientific publications. He has conducted research all over the world including remote Pacific atolls, Mexico, Bahamas, Alaska, and Japan. He has also worked with a wide range of species including white, tiger, hammerheads, oceanic whitetips and salmon sharks. The majority of Dr. Papastamatiou’s work involves using novel electronic tags to understand the drivers of shark behavior. He also uses technical diving tools to study the community ecology of mesophotic reefs at depths > 50m. He is the Co-Lead Scientist of the Predator Ecology and Conservation Laboratory at FIU. Schedule: To be determined.

KATHRYN FLOWERS is from New Brunswick, Canada and holds a Masters of Arts in Marine Conservation and Policy. She is currently a Ph.D. student in the Predator Ecology and Conservation Lab at Florida International University under the supervision of Dr. Yannis Papastamatiou. Her work focuses on batoid ecology, behavior, and conservation and she is passionate about science communication. Ms. Flowers has worked as an at-sea fisheries observer and has volunteered on several marine research projects around the world involving elasmobranchs and cetaceans. Schedule: To be determined.

PROJECT STAFFYOUR RESOURCES IN THE FIELD

SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE 201818

MEGAN KELLEY is a Ph.D. student in the Predator Ecology and Conservation Lab at Florida International University under the supervision of Dr. Yannis Papastamatiou. Originally from Virginia, Ms. Kelley received her BS in Marine Biology from FIU in 2013. During her undergraduate degree, she was a research assistant in the Community Ecology Lab, and later in the Aquatic Ecology Lab. She has worked as a PADI Open Water Instructor and as a program instructor for the Eye-to-Eye Shark Program at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Her current research focuses on how marine predators affect nutrient cycling and habitat connectivity, using nurse sharks as a model organism. Schedule: To be determined.

NORLAN LAMB is a native of Belize and has extensive nautical experience in the region. Mr. Lamb manages the small research vessel and has worked on the project since 2000. He can build anything anywhere, and is a rich source of knowledge on the biota of Glover’s Reef. Schedule: All teams

ASHBERT MIRANDA (BERT), a fisherman and divemaster, has worked on the shark project for over five years. He is an expert on catching fish and sharks for the stable isotope studies. Schedule: All teams.

An EARTHWATCH TEEN TEAM FACILITATOR (TEEN team only) will accompany the teen team from the time you step off the plane for the rendezvous until the end of the expedition. If you have any questions or problems, such as issues with another volunteer, homesickness, or an emergency back home, please talk to your facilitator. Follow your facilitator’s advice on safety and personal conduct. All facilitators have experience teaching and leading groups of teenagers. Remember, your facilitator is there for you. (Teen: Facilitator ratio is approx. 6:1)

19SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE 2018

RECOMMENDED READINGYOUR RESOURCES AT HOME

SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE 201820

PROJECT-RELATED MEDIA • PREDATOR ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION LAB:

https://www.peclabfiu.com/• GLOBAL FINPRINT: https://globalfinprint.org/• FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/globalfinprint• TWITTER: https://twitter.com/globalfinprint• INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/globalfinprint• VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/globalfinprint

ARTICLES• Bond ME, Valentin-Albanese J, Babcock EA, Abercrombie

D, Lamb NF, Miranda A, Pikitch EK, Chapman DD. 2017. “Abundance and size structure of a reef shark population within a marine reserve has remained stable for more than a decade.” Marine Ecology Progress Series, 576: 1-10.

• Bernard AM, Horn RL, Chapman DD, Feldheim KA, Garla RC, Brooks EJ, Gore MA, Shivji MS. 2017. “Genetic connectivity of a coral reef ecosystem predator: the population genetic structure and evolutionary history of the Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi).” Journal of Biogeography.

• Fields AT, Feldheim KA, Gelsleichter J, Pfoertner C, Chapman DD. 2016. “Population structure and cryptic speciation in bonnethead sharks Sphyrna tiburo in the south‐eastern USA and Caribbean.” Journal of Fish Biology 89 (5): 2219-2233.

• Bond ME, Babcock EA, Pikitch EK, Abercrombie DL, Lamb NF, Chapman DD. “Reef Sharks Exhibit Site-Fidelity and Higher Relative Abundance in Marine Reserves on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.” PLoS ONE 7(3): e32983.

BOOKS• Sobel, Jack and Craig Dahlgren. Marine Reserves: A

Guide to Science, Design, and Use. Island Press: 2004.

FIELD GUIDES• Humann, Paul and Ned DeLoach. Reef Fish Identification

Florida Caribbean Bahamas (3rd ed). New World Publications: 2002.

EARTHWATCH SOCIAL MEDIA• FACEBOOK: facebook.com/Earthwatch• TWITTER: twitter.com/earthwatch_org• INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/earthwatch• BLOG: blog.earthwatch.org/• YOUTUBE: youtube.com/earthwatchinstitute

RESOURCES

21SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE 2018

Bascompte, J., Melián, C. J. and Sala, E. 2005. Interaction strength combinations and the overfishing of a marine food web. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 102: 5443-5447. doi/10.1073/pnas.0501562102Baum, J.K., Myers, R.A., Kehler, D.G., Worm, B., Harley, S.J. and Doherty, P.A. 2003. Collapse and conservation of shark populations in the Northwest Atlantic. Science 299 (5605), 389-392.Bonfil, R. 1997. Status of shark resources in the Southern Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean: Implications for management. Fisheries Research 29:101-117.Clarke, S.C., McAllister, M.K., Milner-Gulland, E.J., Kirkwood G.P., Michielsens C.G.J., Agnew D.J., Pikitch E.K., Nakano H., Shivji, M.S. 2006. Global estimates of shark catches using trade records from commercial markets. Ecology Letters 9: 1115-1126. DOI: 10.1051/alr:2008060Heithaus, M. R., Frid, A., Wirsing, A. J. and Worm, B. 2008. Predicting ecological consequences of marine top predator declines. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 23: 202-210. doi:10.1016/j.tree.2008.08.001Robbins, W.D., Hisano, M., Connolly, S.R., Choat, J.H. 2006. Ongoing collapse of coral reef shark populations. Current Biology 16: 2314-2319. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2006.09.044Stevens, J.D., Bonfil, R., Dulvy, N.K. and Walker, P.A. 2000. The effects of fishing on sharks, rays and chimaeras (Chondrichthyans), and the implications for marine ecosystems. ICES Journal of Marine Science 57: 476-494.

LITERATURE CITED

LITERATURE CITEDYOUR RESOURCES AT HOME

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY VISITOR RELEASE FORM

SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE 201822

Minors Visitor Rel 20080124

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY VISITOR RELEASE FORM

The undersigned, on the behalf of himself or herself, and/or as the parent or legal guardian of each minor child listed below (collectively, “the Releasing Parties”) residing at ____________________ _________________________________________________, having attained the age of 18, have requested permission from the Wildlife Conservation Society (“WCS”) to gain access to its employees and facilities (including vehicles, boats and airplanes) located in _________________________ (the “Facilities”), to which access would otherwise not be entitled. The Releasing Parties understand that WCS in its sole discretion may revoke access to the Facilities at any time.

The Releasing Parties recognize and acknowledge that entry into the Facilities may entail certain hazardous risks, including but not limited to, in or through activities at work and research sites, and transportation by ground, water or air, conducted by WCS, its agents or third parties, under dangerous conditions. As a visitor, the Releasing Parties assume all risks, known or unknown, associated with such activities. In assuming these risks and signing this release the Releasing Parties are acting freely and entirely upon their own initiative, risk and responsibility and under no circumstances am will any Releasing Party be considered an employee, servant or agent of WCS.

In any event, the Releasing Parties recognize and acknowledge that WCS assumes no

responsibility for their health or safety while any Releasing Party is visiting or using any Facilities or in transit to or from any Facilities.

IN CONSIDERATION OF WCS’S GRANT OF SUCH PERMISSION, THE RECEIPT OF WHICH IS HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGED, EACH RELEASING PARTY HEREBY FOREVER INDEMNIFIES, RELEASES, DISCHARGES AND HOLDS HARMLESS WCS, ITS TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, AGENTS, SERVANTS AND EMPLOYEES OF AND FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTION, WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE, JUDGMENTS AND LEGAL FEES WHATSOEVER WHICH ANY RELEASING PARTY MAY HAVE, NOW HAVE OR WHICH MAY ACCRUE IN THEIR FAVOR IN THE FUTURE ON ACCOUNT OF ANY PERSONAL INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH, OR LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO ANY PROPERTY SUFFERED OR SUSTAINED BY ANY RELEASING PARTY FROM ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING THE NEGLIGENCE OF WCS OR ANY OF ITS TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, AGENTS, SERVANTS OR EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, OR ANY OTHER VISITOR, DURING OR IN CONNECTION WITH MY ENTRY INTO THE FACILITIES. Each Releasing Party expressly waives all rights under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of California, which reads as follows: A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor. The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of any minor visitor have signed below to bind themselves, their minor child or children, and their respective heirs, successors, assigns and estates to the conditions described in this Visitor Release. The parent(s) or legal guardians (s) agree that on behalf of themselves and their minor child or children named below will not institute any action in any forum in any country worldwide seeking to hold WCS responsible for any such injuries or damages.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have read and understood this agreement and hereunto set my hand

and seal this ___ day of _______, 200__.

____________________________________ Parent or Legal Guardian Signature

23SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE 2018

Minors Visitor Rel 20080124

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY VISITOR RELEASE FORM

The undersigned, on the behalf of himself or herself, and/or as the parent or legal guardian of each minor child listed below (collectively, “the Releasing Parties”) residing at ____________________ _________________________________________________, having attained the age of 18, have requested permission from the Wildlife Conservation Society (“WCS”) to gain access to its employees and facilities (including vehicles, boats and airplanes) located in _________________________ (the “Facilities”), to which access would otherwise not be entitled. The Releasing Parties understand that WCS in its sole discretion may revoke access to the Facilities at any time.

The Releasing Parties recognize and acknowledge that entry into the Facilities may entail certain hazardous risks, including but not limited to, in or through activities at work and research sites, and transportation by ground, water or air, conducted by WCS, its agents or third parties, under dangerous conditions. As a visitor, the Releasing Parties assume all risks, known or unknown, associated with such activities. In assuming these risks and signing this release the Releasing Parties are acting freely and entirely upon their own initiative, risk and responsibility and under no circumstances am will any Releasing Party be considered an employee, servant or agent of WCS.

In any event, the Releasing Parties recognize and acknowledge that WCS assumes no

responsibility for their health or safety while any Releasing Party is visiting or using any Facilities or in transit to or from any Facilities.

IN CONSIDERATION OF WCS’S GRANT OF SUCH PERMISSION, THE RECEIPT OF WHICH IS HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGED, EACH RELEASING PARTY HEREBY FOREVER INDEMNIFIES, RELEASES, DISCHARGES AND HOLDS HARMLESS WCS, ITS TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, AGENTS, SERVANTS AND EMPLOYEES OF AND FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTION, WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE, JUDGMENTS AND LEGAL FEES WHATSOEVER WHICH ANY RELEASING PARTY MAY HAVE, NOW HAVE OR WHICH MAY ACCRUE IN THEIR FAVOR IN THE FUTURE ON ACCOUNT OF ANY PERSONAL INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH, OR LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO ANY PROPERTY SUFFERED OR SUSTAINED BY ANY RELEASING PARTY FROM ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING THE NEGLIGENCE OF WCS OR ANY OF ITS TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, AGENTS, SERVANTS OR EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, OR ANY OTHER VISITOR, DURING OR IN CONNECTION WITH MY ENTRY INTO THE FACILITIES. Each Releasing Party expressly waives all rights under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of California, which reads as follows: A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor. The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of any minor visitor have signed below to bind themselves, their minor child or children, and their respective heirs, successors, assigns and estates to the conditions described in this Visitor Release. The parent(s) or legal guardians (s) agree that on behalf of themselves and their minor child or children named below will not institute any action in any forum in any country worldwide seeking to hold WCS responsible for any such injuries or damages.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have read and understood this agreement and hereunto set my hand

and seal this ___ day of _______, 200__.

____________________________________ Parent or Legal Guardian Signature

Minors: Visiting Child’s name (s) _______________________________ Address: __________________________________________________ D.O.B.(s)__________________________________________________ Emergency Contact Name and Number: __________________________________________________________

EMERGENCY NUMBERSAROUND-THE-CLOCK SUPPORT

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SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE 201826

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MESSAGE FROM EARTHWATCHDEAR EARTHWATCHER,Thank you for joining this expedition! We greatly appreciate your decision to contribute to hands-on environmental science and conservation. It is volunteers like you who fuel our mission and inspire our work.

While at Earthwatch, I’ve had the opportunity to field on a few expeditions, most recently in Kenya with one of my daughters. Each expedition has touched me deeply, and made me proud to be able to roll up my sleeves alongside my fellow volunteers and contribute to such meaningful work.

As an Earthwatch volunteer, you have the opportunity to create positive change. And while you’re out in the field working toward that change, we are committed to caring for your safety. Although risk is an inherent part of the environments in which we work, we’ve been providing volunteer field experiences with careful risk management and diligent planning for nearly 45 years. You’re in good hands.

If you have questions as you prepare for your expedition, we encourage you to contact your Earthwatch office. Thank you for your support, and enjoy your expedition!

Sincerely,

Scott Kania President and CEO, Earthwatch

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EARTHWATCHERS! FIND US ON FACEBOOK

AT FACEBOOK.COM/ EARTHWATCH OR ON TWITTER

@EARTHWATCH_ORG, AND ON YOUTUBE AT YOUTUBE.COM/

EARTHWATCHINSTITUTE

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Phone: 1-978-461-0081 Toll-Free: 1-800-776-0188 Fax: 1-978-461-2332

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Phone: 44-0-1865-318-838 Fax: 44-0-1865-311-383

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Phone: 61-0-3-9016-7590 Fax: 61-0-3-9686-3652

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Phone: 81-0-3-6686-0300 Fax: 81-0-3-6686-0477