Development and Ecotourism in Belize
Since the turn of the millennium, development and ecotourism in Belize has increased exponentially. From 1998 to 2006, there was an increase of over 800,000 visitors entering Belize via cruise ships. Much of the activity that occurs within the Belize Barrier Reef Lagoon System is human generated, particularly boat traffic from tourism and small-scale fishing near Belize City. The close proximity of Belize City to the Drown Cayes causes concern as this increase in tourism may have deleterious impacts on marine mammal habitats.
Although studies have considered the effect humans have on dolphin behavior and habitat use, many are based on dolphin observations in areas that already have high human activity. Interests arise in sites, like the Drowned Cayes, which have recently become more developed and have increased tourism pressure, as dolphins may become susceptible to these effects.
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