Get Chan Marine Reserve is a national park in Belize.
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| Get Chan Marine Reserve | ||
| province | Belize District | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | unknown | |
no value for residents on Wikidata:  | ||
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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background
The name of this approx. 18 km² large water protection area is derived from the Mayan and means something like a small canal.
history
When the first declines in fish stocks could be detected in the early 80s and the use of the area for tourist purposes increased, a discussion broke out about a protected area, which in 1987 led to the designation of the reserve. This process was carried out by the WWF[1] and USAID[2] supported. In 1989 the access and usage regulations that are still valid today came into force and access has been subject to a charge since 1990. Until 1999 the reserve consisted of three parts:
- Zone A: Located inside and outside the reef. Fishing, snorkeling and diving are allowed here for a fee.
- Zone B: This zone includes the seagrass beds in the reef. Both commercial and sport fishing in this zone are only allowed with a license.
- Zone C: This zone includes the mangrove forests of the southern part of Ambergris Caye. Commercial fishing is not allowed here. Only sport fishing can be done under a license.
In 1999, Shark Ray Alley was added as Zone D. This channel, which is currently being used by sharks, is a popular destination for snorkelers. Commercial and recreational fishing are only permitted with a valid license.
landscape
There are three main areas to be found in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. There are coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangrove forests. This can be found in the 4 zones as follows:
- Zone A: This is probably the best known and most popular area with divers / snorkelers. There is a 25 meter wide and 10 meter deep canal which is also the name of the reserve. On the walls there are plenty of coral cultures with the associated fish world and in the channel you can also discover animals from the open sea. The Seegrasswiesen canal is framed at a depth of around 2 meters
- Zone B: This seaweed zone is the largest zone. Approx. 50% of the area is covered with seaweed.
- Zone C:
- Zone D:
Flora and fauna
climate
getting there
Fees / permits
mobility
Tourist Attractions
activities
to buy
to eat and drink
Sleep
As a base camp to start diving and snorkeling expeditions is best San Pedro (Belize). But also Caye Caulker and Sarteneja are suitable for this.
