FINS, southern Belize
One crew, one reef.
Lionfish removal, sea turtle nesting work and a king crab pilot, run from Nicholas Caye in the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve by a fully local crew.
Three programs, one crew, one reef
FINS removes invasive lionfish, works on hawksbill turtle nesting at Nicholas Caye, and is piloting Caribbean king crab restoration. The same boats, the same local crew and the same island base carry all of it. One trip out can remove lionfish, check crab systems and support turtle work.
The jewelry in the shop is how a lot of this gets paid for. Every fin on a bracelet came off a lionfish that is no longer eating juvenile reef fish.
Lionfish removal
Close to 1,000 pounds a month, used nose to tail. Running since 2022.
Sea turtles at Nicholas Caye
A hawksbill nesting beach, two unusual threats, and a research permit applied for.
Caribbean king crab
A native grazer raised on land and returned to reefs that have lost their herbivores. Pilot stage.
Education and Camp OAR
School visits, community outreach and an overnight youth camp in the marine reserve.
Where the shop fits
Every piece of FINS jewelry starts with a lionfish taken off the reef by our divers. The fins become jewelry, the meat goes to local meals and restaurants, and the rest becomes pet treats. Buying a piece funds the boats, fuel, tanks and training that keep the crew on the water.
Come and see it
A turtle-watch overnight program at Nicholas Caye is in development, and lionfish dive trips run with our tour partners. Tell us what you're interested in and we'll be in touch when there's something to book.