02/06/2019
Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS) is the second largest marine protected area in Belize and is a part of the Mesoamerican Reef system, it was established in 1998. Corozal estuary is the largest estuary system in belize, it covers approx (72,000 hectares). The wildlife sanctuary in Corozal lies within a larger river to reef seascape. Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary plays an important role to the Mesoamerican Reef system. It acts as a settling basin for contaminants and sediments before they reaches the Belize Barrier Reef. The filtration function of the estuary in Corozal helps to maintain the health of Belize's reef, it's role is an important part of a transboundary estuarine system.
Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary has an extensive mangrove system including coastal and cayes mangroves. The sanctuary is home to an important population of Manatees, it has a bull shark nursery area and has key birds nesting sites. Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary support local fishermen and tour guides in the area. Sarteneja is the most dependent of the marine resources from the area. Other coastal communities that benefit from Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary are Copper Bank, Consejo, Chunox and Corozal.
