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Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes Marine Reserve (GSSCMR) - SEA Belize

  • Current Status of the Project:Actively Protected
  • Project Starting Date:18 May 2000
  • Project Completion Date:18 May 2000
  • Project Organizer:SEA Belize
  • Project Categories:Marine Reserve
Protected Areas

Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes Marine Reserve (GSSCMR)

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Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes Marine Reserve (GSSCMR) lies about 36km off the coast of Placencia Village. GSSCMR was declared a protected area in 2000 and in 2002 SEA began to co-manage reserve along with the Government and was zoned in 2003. GSSCMR has a multi-use zonation, which includes: General Use Zone (GUZ), No Take Zone (NTZ), and Special Permit Zone (SPZ). Unlike LBCNP, commercial fishing is permitted within the GUZ and SPZ of the reserve. This marine reserve serves an intrinsic purpose, catering mainly to both fishing and tourism stakeholders. One of its most attractive features is the Spawning Aggregation site which attracts whale sharks during the full moon in the months of March-June.