2024-12-31 - Channel 5 Belize

Balancing Belize’s Rich Heritage with Global Influences

Let’s face it—American culture has long been a global juggernaut. From Hollywood’s silver screen to the ever-present sounds of pop music and viral trends, American influence has become an inescapable part of the global cultural landscape. In many places, its reach is readily apparent, but in some, it’s more subtle—yet, no less significant. Belize, a small Caribbean nation with a population just over 400,000, has not remained immune to this cultural tide. Over the decades, American customs and trends have found their way into Belizean life, influencing everything from entertainment to fashion, holidays, and even social behavior.

For a country as culturally diverse and historically rich as Belize, the infusion of foreign customs raises important questions: How do we retain our unique identity in the face of overwhelming global influence? And how can we protect and celebrate our roots while navigating an increasingly interconnected world?

The Reach of Americanization

A powerful example of American cultural infiltration can be seen in the rise of basketball. While this sport, born on American soil in 1891, has undoubtedly provided a platform for Belize’s youth to engage in positive activities like the Live Life Basketball Youth Tournament, it also marks a shift. It’s not just a sport—it’s a reflection of the broader American cultural influence. The same is true for other American imports including language, and, in some cases, even political ideals have seeped into Belizean society.

Take Thanksgiving, for another example—a holiday that is not observed as a national holiday in Belize, yet continues to find its way into local homes. For many, it remains just another workday, but for an increasing number of households—particularly the tourism industry that hosts American and Canadian visitors—Thanksgiving is now a day for feasting and festivities. The cultural conundrum here is not about rejecting these influences but about understanding how they reshape our local customs.

The Digital Highway

One of the most visible conduits of this cultural transformation is the media. With the rise of the internet and social media, Belizeans are more connected to American culture than ever before. From blockbuster films and TV shows to viral TikTok challenges, the influence is ubiquitous. A typical day for most people often involves scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, consuming content dominated by American trends, lifestyles, and ideals.

However, this subtle cultural shift is not just a local phenomenon—it is part of a larger picture fuelled by soft power. Soft power refers to the ability of a country to influence others through culture, diplomacy, and values, as opposed to military force or economic pressure. The United States, with its entertainment industry, globalised brands, and educational programs, has excelled in this form of influence.

Finding Balance Amidst Change

The challenge, as Kim Vasquez, Director of the Institute of Creative Arts (ICA) at the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), aptly puts it, is not to reject these influences but to embrace them while remaining grounded in one’s cultural heritage. “We embrace and recognise that Belize is multicultural. We have a blend here of different cultural groups—Maya, Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, East Indian, and other cultural groups. And it is okay to have external influences, but it is so important that you love and feel a sense of pride,” she said. “You must be proud, and you must have a knowledge of your cultural background of what is Belizean,” she added.

This philosophy of cultural preservation is not just theoretical—it is actively being embodied by various communities in Belize. One notable example is the Garifuna community, which is experiencing a cultural revival, reconnecting with its African, Arawak, and Carib roots to preserve its unique heritage. This recent movement, led by cultural activists Mathew and Virgin Martinez, is inspiring a new generation to embrace Garifuna traditions, including language, music, dance, and cuisine.

Once marginalized, Garifuna culture is now being celebrated, due to the efforts of groups like Ugundani, a dance collective founded by Naomi Guzman. Their work, along with the recognition of Garifuna culture by UNESCO in 2001, has elevated the Garifuna identity. Today, young Belizeans, including members of the Lirahinu Ugundani group, are learning traditional dances and drumming, ensuring that this rich culture continues to thrive for future generations.

NICH’s Path to Preservation

Yet, this delicate balance between embracing external influences and preserving local traditions is harder to strike than it might seem. The more we are exposed to American media, whether through TV, TikTok, or social media, the easier it is to embrace foreign trends. But this is where NICH’s outreach becomes vital. Programs like the National Festival of Arts, the Southern Maya Deer Dance in Pueblo Viejo, and events at the Houses of Culture aim to remind Belizeans—particularly youth—of the cultural richness Belize is known for.

Vasquez said, “We work with cultural organisations and schools to keep traditions alive and make sure that young people are engaged in their culture.”

But it’s not just about holding on to the past. The institute is also using modern tools to reach younger generations. By creating accessible digital content, Vasquez said NICH has “been trying to put out more videos, showcasing these cultural dances, showcasing food, showcasing whatever event the communities are having at that particular moment,” using the same tools as American media. Additionally, through initiatives like the 501 Academy and online learning platforms, NICH is providing opportunities for people to engage with Belizean culture from anywhere in the world.

A Culture That Adapts, Not Fades

The overlapping of culture is inevitable. The fusion of cultures is as old as human civilisation, and in many ways, it enriches societies by broadening perspectives. But for Belize, the key to thriving in this new world lies in finding a balance: adapting to new trends without sacrificing the essence of what makes the nation uniquely Belizean.

While the influence of American culture continues to grow, there are signs of hope. Initiatives to preserve language, music, and traditions are ensuring that Belize’s cultural identity will endure, even as it evolves.

The true test of a nation that prides itself on being uniquely Belizean lies in striking a delicate balance between adapting and preserving its culture. Belize’s cultural diversity is its greatest strength, and the efforts of organisations like NICH, along with educators and local cultural leaders, form the backbone that ensures Belizean cultures remain alive.

By Benita Keme-Palacio, Creative Digital Content Assistant

Baker Regrets That He Assisted Suspected Arsonist

The operator of the bakery where a fire broke out, destroying two apartment buildings in San Pedro, deeply regrets helping his co-worker get her job back. The co-worker, a forty-year-old Mexican woman who hasn’t been charged yet, had worked on and off with the baker, Fermin Witzil, over the years. Earlier this year, she left the island to live in Cayo but called him less than two weeks ago, asking for her job back and requesting travel and subsistence money. Feeling obliged, he helped her out. Now, as a fire victim himself due to her actions, he laments ever assisting her. Here’s News Five’s Marion Ali with more on the story.

On the Phone: Fernando Witzil, Fire Victim

“She was working with me from August to November. Then she left and then she asked for help that she want to come back to work again the 20th of December. She asked for help that she need money for passage and food and pay. Uh, two weeks rent there and me and my sister put the money together and sent the money for her. I never know. She was going through a lot of problems.”

Marion Ali, Reporting

Fermin Witzil, the owner of the bakery that was destroyed in the fire at Centavos Apartments on Sea Star Drive, shared his regret today. He explained that he had offered a helping hand to his friend and co-worker, who said she needed to return to her job at the bakery. Unbeknownst to him, she was going through a tough time, trying to escape an abusive relationship and dealing with issues with another family living above the bakery. In an episode involving the woman, Witzil warned her that he would call the police and he went upstairs to do so. In that moment, she took out her frustration on the family, the bakery owner, and the other ten families living in the apartment complex. This tragic turn of events left Witzil and many others as victims of the fire.

On the Phone: Fernando Witzil

“She was throwing things. Whatever she meet on her way, she just slam it with her hand. She was getting crazy. Starting to do anything she meet on the way. And she was crying. I said to her I will call the police because You are not behaving right. You – calm yourself.”

Witzil recounted that he went upstairs to call a police friend, explaining that his co-worker was causing a disturbance. Unfortunately, the officer wasn’t available at the time. Shortly after, Witzil heard the ominous sound of gas hissing from the tanks downstairs at his bakery. When he went to check, an explosion blasted him out onto the street. Witzil explained that his co-worker had lived in the same apartment complex and worked with him a few months ago before moving to Cayo. During her previous stay, she had issues with the family living above the bakery. This tension, combined with her personal struggles, culminated in the tragic events that unfolded.

On the Phone: Fermin Witzil

“I know her like seven years, but five years, she asked me if I need someone for help in the kitchen, I said, yes, but she never worked permanently. She just two months, three months, and then she left, like part-time. And then she was working with me from August to November, then she left. She used to say that they will pay what they have done with her, put interfering in her life.”

The woman was detained by San Pedro police but has since been released as investigations continue. The National Fire Service has confirmed that the fire was deliberately set. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero informed the media that they are treating the incident as arson. He also noted that the woman in question did not appear to be mentally unstable.

A.C.P Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“An apartment building with twelve rooms was completely engulfed in flames. Investigation revealed that one of the tenants was at one of the rooms when he heard the sound of pressure from probably a gas (tank) thereafter there was an explosion, they place caught fire. We have one person in custody in regard to this investigation and we’re treating it as an arson.”

Reporter

“From what we understand, there were tanks and this woman allegedly turned on these tanks.”

A.C.P Hilberto Romero

“That is the information we have, so, she’s in custody and we are doing follow up work.”

Reporter

“Are you able to say what her condition is – her physical condition – because some on the island are saying that she had recently been the victim of some type of abuse and she had injuries significant.”

A.C.P Hilberto Romero

“Yeah, she’s doing okay. She’s in custody and she will be interviewed. She has no injuries or anything.”

Reporter

Okay. Is she a mentally ill person?

A.C.P Hilberto Romero

“Not that we know of, no.”

Meanwhile, Fermin Witzil has received some pledges of assistance and is appealing to the public for help to get back on his feet.

On the Phone: Fermin Witzil

“The minister called me this morning, but he said the secretary of him will give me Some tickets, but I have not seen no one yet and Nemo, Nemo will, but until Friday will things come in from Belize City. We left with our two, three-cycles. We used to work on the street. We make the pastries and go in the street and sell. Well, at least the tire that I can paint the bike, or I can see what can I do, at least the three wheelers.”

If you would like to help Fermin Witzil get back to his business, you can reach him at 6367599. Marion Ali for News Five.

For more information visit:

https://edition.channel5belize.com/12-families-displaced-major-losses-in-san-pedro-inferno/

Biscayne Family Feud Leads to Arrest of SPU Officer

Tonight, three members of the Dominquez family from Biscayne Village are out on bail after being charged with harm. This family feud, which has been simmering for years, erupted on Boxing Day, leading to a cross-complaint incident. A woman police officer from the Special Patrol Unit and her nephew were charged with harming their cousin during a heated dispute. The two women involved are daughters of two brothers, and their animosity was evident outside the courtroom. They sat as far apart as possible under the court tent, waiting for over five hours before being called in at 1:30 PM. When Shania Dominquez, twenty-five, her cousin Lunnet Dominguez, thirty-two, an S.P.U. officer, and a seventeen-year-old minor appeared before Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola, the charges couldn’t be read due to discrepancies in the court books. The arraignment was postponed to Friday, January third, 2025, and their police bail was extended. The feud escalated when Shania claimed her home was invaded by her cousin and others, leading to the Boxing Day incident. Shania, a mother of an autistic six-year-old, insists she is the victim, not the troublemaker. She alleges that her cousin, Lunnet, and others barged into her house, traumatizing her son and causing damage. Shania denies throwing hot water at the seventeen-year-old boy, stating that she acted in self-defense. The three family members will return to court on January third, 2025, to face their charges. The seventeen-year-old and PC Lunnet Dominguez are charged with harming Shania, while Shania is accused of harming the seventeen-year-old. The family feud continues, with both sides maintaining their innocence.

Former Employee Caught Breaking into Kriol Kitchen

A man who admitted to breaking into the Kriol Kitchen on Youth for the Future Drive was caught red-handed thanks to surveillance footage that alerted the owner via her cellphone. The burglar, identified as twenty-nine-year-old Anthony Marin, was apprehended by police inside the building and charged with burglary. Marin, who used to work for the owner, appeared in court without representation and faced a single charge of burglary. On Christmas Eve, December twenty-fourth, 2024, Marin allegedly entered the residence of L. Flowers with the intent to steal. Knowing he was caught on camera, Marin pleaded guilty and asked the court for mercy. The Chief Magistrate considered several factors before deciding on a non-custodial sentence. Marin had no prior convictions for violent or dishonest crimes, only traffic offenses. Despite the seriousness of the offense and the breach of trust, the Chief Magistrate imposed a fine of seven hundred dollars, plus a five-dollar court cost, giving Marin until February fourteenth, 2025, to pay. If he fails to pay, he faces six months in prison. In his plea for leniency, Marin explained that he is the sole provider for his two children and promised to secure a permanent job to pay his fines.

Belize City Chef Remanded for Obstruction

Tonight, a chef from Belize City’s Northside is on remand at the Belize Central Prison, unable to post bail. Erlin Dylan Yacab, a twenty-seven-year-old chef from Douglas Jones Street, appeared in court unrepresented and faced a charge of intentionally obstructing a police officer. Initially, Yacab pleaded guilty with an explanation, claiming, “The officer thought it was a plastic bag, but it was my spit I was trying to swallow.” Given the disagreement over what happened, the Chief Magistrate entered a not guilty plea on Yacab’s behalf. With no objection from the prosecutor, Yacab was granted bail set at one thousand dollars, with one surety of the same amount. Conditions of his bail include not being arrested or charged with any other offenses and attending all court dates until his case is resolved. Unfortunately, Yacab couldn’t post bail and was remanded to the Belize Central Prison. His next court date is February twenty-seventh, 2025. According to the police, Yacab allegedly swallowed a plastic bag during a search, but Yacab insists he was just swallowing his spit.

Buck is Sentenced to One Month in Prison for Crack

Tonight, a man who claims to be a beggar and unable to work is behind bars after pleading guilty to possessing a small amount of crack cocaine. The man, forty-eight-year-old Kenroy Emmanuel Fisher from Kelly Street, Belize City, initially told the court he was twenty-nine years old. However, court records show that he is actually forty-eight and seems to have trouble remembering his own age and birth year. Fisher, who was unrepresented, appeared before Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola and faced a single charge of possession of a controlled drug. On Monday, December thirtieth, 2024, he was found with a tiny amount of crack cocaine on Castle Street, Belize City. The quantity was so small that it didn’t even register on the scale. Despite this, Fisher pleaded guilty. He explained that he has never worked a day in his life and survives by begging. Given his inability to pay a fine, the Chief Magistrate opted not to impose a non-custodial sentence or a fine. Instead, Fisher was sentenced to one month in prison.

Trayson Gibson Remained Unemployed Due to Disability

Several suspects have been detained following the tragic shooting in Belize City on Sunday night. The incident on Rivero Street claimed the life of eighteen-year-old Trayson Gibson. Trayson had been paralyzed from the waist down since a shooting in 2022, and he had been using a wheelchair ever since. Despite his challenges, Trayson never lost his determination. He was on a relentless quest to find a job to support his grandmother, who was his primary caretaker. Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain as many companies were unwilling to hire a wheelchair user. Earlier this year, Belize made a significant stride by passing the historic Disabilities Bill, aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for Belizeans with disabilities. This bill emphasizes the right to employment, giving hope that people like Trayson would have a fair chance to work. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more details.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

At just fifteen, Trayson Gibson’s world was shattered when a shooting left him paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for life. But Trayson didn’t let this break his spirit. According to his grandmother, who cared for him, his incredible willpower helped him adapt to his new reality with remarkable resilience.

Voice of: Grandmother of Deceased

“And it heartbreaking for him too because he does play football, he da mi a football person, play basketball, all kind of thing. And inna one ovanight he get like that. He neva gone da no therapy so he da Wa strong guy. Because he neva did gina da nothing, he just tek it right so and he get back with that.”

On Sunday, Trayson Gibson was mortally injured while he was hanging out with friends in his neighborhood. Reports say two men on a motorcycle suddenly appeared and opened fire. This time, the bullets were fatal. For his grandmother, the pain of losing Trayson is even more profound because she remembers his unwavering determination. Despite countless job rejections, he never lost hope of finding work to help pay the bills.

Voice of: Grandmother of Deceased

“Most of the call centers they said they noh have the wheelchair access so they said ney cya tek ah. So he mi get shove back fi that. Ney noh really wa deal with ah. Because he wa cya go up fi work and then neu she ney noh di tek nobody on fi home one right now. So ih lone ki di get throwback throwback, Throw back, So ih neva did get anything like that.”

According to his grandmother, Gibson had finally received a call back from a potential employer. However, his hopes were dashed when he mentioned that he was in a wheelchair, and the opportunity slipped away.

Voice of: Grandmother of Deceased

“He never gave up. He always di search. The other day somebody mi call ah but ih look like he noh tell ney that how he cripple. So Princess mi call ah but it look like when Princess call he seh that he noh want neh type ah job because soh and soh and da then ney understand. But ney mi di call ah fi go work. But he’s like that and it mi wa be a problem because neh noh tek people like that. Belize noh really get advance inna thing lie that yet to me.”

Earlier this month, Belize made history by passing its first-ever disability bill. This landmark legislation aims to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities, like Trayson Gibson, protect their rights, and ensure they receive the privileges and benefits guaranteed by the Constitution. As a result, more establishments across Belize will need to make their buildings accessible to everyone, including those who are wheelchair-bound. Minister of Human Development, Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, who introduced the bill in the House of Representatives, explains what these changes will entail.

File: December 3^rd, 2024

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of Human Development

“ If you make legislation that you are going to not only respect the rights of persons with disabilities, but do something about it, then the practical benefits that should come are That there will be recourse, there will be a place and a structure where persons with disabilities will be able to hold all the relevant parties accountable. Whether it’s government, private sector, schools, health, education, employment, all of these things are important. And basically what we’re saying is that we want to ensure that persons with disabilities, let’s take wheelchair access, as the most, probably the most glaring example, the most obvious example, many of our buildings are not wheelchair accessible for persons with that kind of mobility difficulty, so basically what the law is saying is that Buildings will have to make themselves accessible to people in a wheelchair.”

The bill mandates that within a year, both government and private buildings must ensure accessibility where feasible. It also highlights the commitment to uphold the rights of every disabled person, including their right to employment.

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia

“We are saying that both private sector and government, we need to make ourselves and the buildings that we occupy, accessible to persons with that kind of disability. Now, there are other disabilities, mental, emotional you have visually impaired, we have hearing impaired. And so in terms of persons with disabilities access to employment, to education, to health care. Government would be a lead agency, but then the private sector and other agencies would kick in making sure that we respect the rights of persons with disabilities and make the adjustments that we feel may be necessary.”

With the new bill in place, Belizeans with disabilities now have a powerful piece of legislation to back them up. It clearly outlines their right to employment opportunities and stands firmly against discrimination. This is a significant step forward in ensuring equal treatment and opportunities for everyone. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Immigration Ministry Clears Up Bottleneck at PGIA

Travelers at the Philip Goldson International Airport faced major delays on Monday due to long lines, all because only one immigration officer was on duty. Chief Executive Officer Tanya Santos from the Ministry of Immigration explained that several officers were out, some due to illness or maternity leave. Adding to the chaos, a malfunctioning computer created a bottleneck, sparking rumors of a staff sickout. Earlier today, Santos assured News Five that the situation has been resolved and that administrative changes have been made to prevent future issues.

On the phone: Tanya Santos, CEO, Ministry of Immigration

“There are some officers who are sick and, you know, people get sick so we can’t really say that there’s a sickout. There are a few officers who are out sick. We have an officer, for example, who is out on maternity leave as well. So there are a number of officers that are not at the airport at the moment, however, we still do have a compliment of officers there who are sufficient to keep the lines going. What actually happened is that it’s Terminal One where there was one officer and the reality is that there are only two booths there at Terminal One and one of the computer systems there was not functioning and so, effectively, only one officer was able to work. I understand that they had sent passengers over from Terminal Two to Terminal One, not realizing that there was only one officer there. So the others were there at the other terminal but the number of passengers was a lot, so they had to shift things around. And that is what happened, the line became long because there was only one officer of two at that terminal who was able to process the crowd that was there. There have been changes recently with a new port commander and every officer in charge brings their own style of management, their own ways of doing things and so there have been some changes that have been occurring and we have been trying to manage those changes and so it takes time. Some people also take time to adapt to changes and so these are some of the issues that need to be ironed out and that we’re looking at and addressing. But in that particular case yesterday, it was a matter of one of two booths.”

Business as Usual at PGIA

CEO Santos mentioned that the Immigration Department quickly sent an IT technician to the Philip Goldson International Airport to fix the computer issue. She confirmed that the problem has now been resolved.

On the phone: Tanya Santos, CEO, Ministry of Immigration

“Yes, we actually sent in IT to fix the situation with the other computer at Terminal One. So they should have their compliment of two at that terminal. It can be argued that we need more officers in the departure, but that’s something that we can also discuss with the authorities there at the airport and adjust as well. So it’s going to take a little more discussion and planning, and collaboration with everyone to address this issue as we have more and more visitors to the country, and passengers and the traveling public. So we will have to respond accordingly within the space that is available currently because if you go to Terminal One, you might want to take, you’ve been to the airport before, you might see that there is really not much space for us to include anymore immigration officers there for departure. Terminal Two, as well, is limited with space. So we can’t force what we can’t fit.”

Sea Cucumbers: Silent Victims of Climate Change

Sea cucumbers, the unassuming custodians of marine ecosystems, are facing increasing threats from the mounting impacts of climate change. These bottom-dwelling creatures, essential for maintaining ocean health, are particularly vulnerable to the warming waters, ocean acidification, and habitat destruction resulting from climate shifts. Belize recently reopened its sea cucumber industry, and in the following story, Hipolito Novelo looks at the impacts of climate change on an already vulnerable industry.

Hipolito Novelo, Reporting

Sea cucumbers play a critical role in marine environments. Often referred to as the “vacuum cleaners of the ocean floor,” they consume detritus, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients. This process enhances sediment health, facilitates carbon cycling, and maintains the overall balance of coral reef and seagrass ecosystems. Assistant Professor at the University of Belize, Dr. Arlenie Rogers has been researching sea cucumbers for many years. She’s the resident expert.

Dr. Arlenie Rogers, Assistant Professor, University of Belize

“Sea cucumbers are very important in the marine environment because they are detritus feeders, meaning they feed from the seafloor. And while they feed in the seafloor, they eat decomposed material from the seafloor. So, in a way, they’re cleaning the seafloor, and while they are feeding, they are eating sediment from the seafloor, and when they excrete that, it is sand, so they oxygenate the seafloor as well. So that is the benefit of providing the environment. They also host many symbionts on their bodies. So they are like a microhabitat for many marine organisms like polyworms, gastropods, bivalves, algae, and many microorganisms.”

The Belize sea cucumber fishery reopened on September 1 and is set to close in January 2025. This reopening follows a year-long closure in 2022, during which a stock assessment was conducted by the Belize Fisheries Department and the University of Belize. Completed in March 2023, the assessment evaluated populations in five critical areas, including Placencia Lagoon, through stratified random sampling. The survey identified more than 249,800 lbs of sea cucumber. To safeguard the species and promote sustainability, the annual harvest quota was capped at 175,000 lbs for four approved exporters.

Rigoberto Quintana, Acting Fisheries Administrator

“So, compared to I think the last fishery was probably in 2018, I think, and then we had a closure because of the densities, the population going down. But there has been a recovery of the stocks, and there was a joint stock assessment conducted by the University of Belize and the Fishery Department. And those studies are recommending a total quota of around 175,000 pounds. That is the basis of opening the sea cucumber fishery. We’ll monitor the quota. It opens the 1st of September. And once that process is realized, we will close the fishery. As you know, the processing of sea cucumbers does not take a lot of processing, mostly cooking and drying. So, we’re doing some inspections. This we can see if they are prepared, and it might not be that before we’ll be prepared, they also have to get certification from BAHA.”

Sea cucumbers are highly sought after in global markets, particularly in Asia, for their culinary and medicinal value. This demand supports the livelihoods of coastal communities, including those in Belize. The industry represents a significant economic opportunity, described as a “multi-million-dollar business” and “very lucrative”. These creatures are not as abundant as before. In the Placencia lagoon, where Dr. Rogers was accompanied by Dr. Xochitl Clare of the University of Washington, finding them proved to be a task.

Dr. Xochitl Clare, University of Washington

“Sea cucumbers represent a really important fishery species here in Belize as one of our exports overseas to China, Japan, and other Asian markets.Sea cucumbers are a huge export. They’re an unusual animal. We don’t find them on the Belizean plate very much. But because they make so much money as an export value, they represent a very important resource in the Caribbean at large, not just Belize.”

Sea cucumbers are not immune to climate change. Rising ocean temperatures disrupt their metabolic processes. This leads to reduced reproductive success and higher mortality rates, especially in tropical regions where prolonged heatwaves can decimate populations and destabilize ecosystems. Ocean acidification, driven by increased atmospheric CO₂ absorption, impairs their ability to produce calcium carbonate structures critical for survival while also reducing the availability of detrital matter, their primary food source. Habitat destruction from coral bleaching and seagrass bed degradation exacerbates these challenges and exposes sea cucumbers to predators and limits breeding grounds.

Dr. Arlenie Rogers

“Sea cucumbers, they tend to reproduce; they are very active during the dry months. And if the temperatures are extreme in the dry months, then, you know, we can see monthly how the temperature changes. And how temperature can potentially affect their reproduction in both the rainy and the dry seasons, because when they reproduce in the dry season, they tend to recover and reproduce again the following year. But if the temperature is increasing tremendously, both in the rainy and in the dry season, and the cool months in December, we don’t know, then we can make projections; we can look at how temperature extremes can affect their reproduction.”

To address the impacts of climate change on sea cucumbers, immediate and collaborative efforts are essential. Enhanced conservation measures, such as the establishment and enforcement of marine protected areas, are critical to safeguarding their habitats. Sustainable harvesting practices must also be implemented, with strict regulations and monitoring systems to prevent overfishing, which the fisheries department has done. Investing in research to understand species-specific vulnerabilities can inform effective climate adaptation strategies. Sea cucumbers may seem small and inconspicuous, but their role in maintaining ocean health is profound. Their survival is intrinsically tied to the larger fight against climate change. Reporting for News 5, I am Hipolito Novelo.