Jewelry made from the ocean, for the ocean.
FINS Belize
At FINS Belize, we create jewelry with a purpose. Each piece is handcrafted from lionfish, an invasive species threatening Belize’s coral reefs. By creating a market for lionfish products and turning them into something beautiful and wearable, we are reducing their impact while raising awareness and protecting our ocean ecosystems.
FINS was founded by divers and conservationists who wanted to turn a reef problem into a solution. Today, our jewelry helps fund marine conservation projects across Belize, from lionfish mitigation to sea turtle protection. When you shop with FINS, you are not just buying jewelry. You are joining a movement to protect the ocean, create sustainable opportunities for coastal communities, and restore biodiversity to the reef.
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1,000s of lionfish removed from the reefs
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Every piece is one less lionfish on the reef
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Jewelry, local dishes, pet food & research
Turning Invasive Lionfish into Purpose
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Step 1:
Diving
Every piece of FINS jewelry begins with a conservation dive. Divers remove invasive lionfish from Belize’s reef to restore balance and protect biodiversity.
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Step 2:
Processing
Back on shore, the lionfish are used nose-to-tail. The fins are clipped for jewelry, the meat is prepared for local meals, and the remaining parts are repurposed so nothing goes to waste.
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Step 3:
Preparing
The fins are carefully dried in the shade to keep their natural color, then trimmed and set into stainless steel bases, ready to be crafted into jewelry.
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Step 4:
Crafting
Every piece is handmade in Belize by skilled artisans. From braiding bracelets and anklets to assembling necklaces and earrings, each design reflects careful craftsmanship and supports reef protection.
Flagship Store
Visit Us in Belize
Come see our flagship FINS Belize store in person, located on the famous Placencia Sidewalk in southern Belize. Here you’ll find our full collection of handcrafted lionfish jewelry, eco-friendly gifts, and ocean-inspired products that support reef conservation.
Our shop is more than a boutique — it’s a place to learn the story behind each piece and see how your purchase helps protect Belize’s coral reefs. Stop by to shop, connect with our team, and become part of the movement to turn invasive lionfish into reef protection.
Willie Caal
Willie has spent more than 10 years working in marine conservation and now brings that experience directly into the jewelry we create at FINS. With a degree in Natural Resource Management, he combines scientific knowledge with hands-on skill to turn lionfish, an invasive species threatening Belize’s reefs, into meaningful products that make a difference.
From diving for lionfish to preparing the fins and assembling each piece, Willie is involved in every step of the process. He takes pride in creating high-quality jewelry that carries an important story about reef protection. Alongside his work on the jewelry itself, Willie manages inventory and day-to-day operations, helping ensure that FINS runs smoothly from ocean to customer.
Abby Porter
Abby leads the vision and growth of FINS Belize. With a background in marketing and entrepreneurship, she focuses on building the brand, creating new product lines, and sharing how jewelry can fuel marine conservation. She enjoys the creative process of sketching, sampling, and refining designs, always aiming to connect people to the mission behind each piece.
Abby is also directly involved in the conservation side of FINS, diving for lionfish and supporting projects that protect reef ecosystems. What inspires her most is watching people connect with the story of FINS. When customers learn their purchase helps protect the ocean, the jewelry becomes more than just an accessory. It becomes a way to take part in conservation.
Together at FINS
Willie and Abby bring different strengths that complement each other. Willie contributes conservation expertise and craftsmanship, while Abby brings her background in business, design, and strategy.
Together, they founded FINS to create a bridge between jewelry and conservation. Their mission is to protect Belize’s reefs while giving people everywhere a chance to be part of the solution.
Meet Our Artisans, Divers & Crew
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Lilly Caal
Jewelry Artisan & Brand Steward
Fun fact: Grew up in a fishing villageLilly has been with FINS since the very beginning and helped create the first lionfish jewelry pieces. Today she works full-time in the shop, crafting jewelry, mentoring other makers, and welcoming customers with her signature energy. Raised in southern Belize, she’s also an Advanced Open Water Diver and passionate lionfish hunter dedicated to protecting Belize’s reefs.
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MJ Bardalez
Shop Clerk & Jewelry Assistant
Fun fact: Future diver in trainingMJ works weekends in the FINS shop, helping customers learn the story behind each piece and supporting jewelry production when needed. A recent high school graduate, she’s excited to begin her PADI dive courses and represents the next generation of Belizeans getting involved in reef conservation through hands-on work.
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Marvin “Bigs” Caal
Conservation Diver & Boat Captain
Fun fact: Top lionfish hunterBigs is one of FINS’ core lionfish hunters and a trusted boat captain known for his steady leadership on the water. Coming from a fishing family and experienced in freediving, he brings deep local knowledge, skill, and quiet confidence to every mission focused on protecting Belize’s reefs.
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Luis Castillo
Conservation Diver & Tour Partner
Fun fact: Knows Belize by heartLuis is a long-time lionfish hunter with FINS and the founder of Sealand Expeditions, one of our primary tour partners. Known for his calm presence and deep local knowledge, he leads meaningful experiences across Belize while supporting efforts to protect coral reef ecosystems.
Managed by:
Ashna Billakanti
Social Media Manager
Kate La Barbara
Social Media Manager
