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Few countries have the extent and diversity of such a highly productive tropical marine ecosystem as Belize. These systems provide nursery and feeding grounds for myriad fish species and critical habitat for many species of wildlife such as the endangered manatee.
Turneffe Atoll the largest of Belize's three offshore atolls is surrounded by a wall of living reef. Together with tropical rainforests, coral reefs are commonly described as the richest biological communities on earth. Turneffe has a visual beauty and a variety of wildlife habitat that is unique to this type of atoll. Dolphins, sea turtles, fish, endangered crocodiles and manatees use the area for feeding, resting and breeding. The Oceanic Society has conducted research at Turneffe Atoll since 1992. In 2001, the Society entered into a long-term lease agreement to maintain a year-round field station at Blackbird Caye.
Blackbird Caye has been identified by the Belize Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (BCZMAI) as a area to be considered for preservation purposes
The Society serves on the Turneffe Islands Coastal Advisory Committee and is conducting a series of monitoring and research projects to help ensure that management policies are also based on sound science.
Field Station
The Blackbird-Oceanic Society Field Station is beautifully situated on a peninsula with miles of white sand beach, adjacent to a series of coral islets that comprise Turneffe Atoll’s fringing reef. The facility includes a classroom, library, office, simple lab and staff housing, plus three vessels to provide all transfer and excursion needs. The Field Station’s exceptional location offers easy access to reefs and surrounding wildlife habitats.
The National Geographic Society’s Heroes For The Planet team led by Dr. Sylvia Earle, in collaboration with Ford Motor Foundation, visited the Blackbird-Oceanic Society Field Station (BOSS) facility in September 2001. The Oceanic Society was proud to be part of this initiative and grateful to National Geographic Society and Ford Motor Foundation members for supporting the bottlenose dolphin and coral reef research projects.
Visitor Accommodations
The Station offers comfortable beachfront cabanas with private porches, and double occupancy rooms with private baths. Limited single rooms available. The snorkeling from our private beach is spectacular. Meals are served in a beautiful dining “palapa” with ocean views.
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