By the WBWTN News Team | April 23, 2025
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(WBWTN) - Yesterday, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Belize responded to a mass stranding of pilot whales near Drown Caye, just off the coast of Belize City. The incident, which drew concern from both locals and marine authorities, prompted an urgent advisory for all mariners and the public to avoid the area.
The whales were first spotted on April 22, and several media outlets covered the event as it unfolded. In light of ongoing efforts to assist the animals, the advisory remains in effect today.
Public Safety and Marine Life Protection Advisory:
- Do not approach the whales by boat or enter the water.
- Avoid the Drown Caye area completely to reduce stress on the animals and ensure the safety of responders.
- Report sightings or related activity to the Clearwater team at 615-3838.
The Clearwater team, working in close coordination with the Belize Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, continues to monitor the situation and provide aid where possible.
Jamal Galves, a representative of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Belize, emphasized the importance of giving these marine mammals space, noting that distressed whales can behave unpredictably.
“We ask for the public’s continued cooperation as our response team works to assess and assist the pod,” Galves said.
