C.A.R.M.A.
Team Carma, also known as "Catch and Release My Ass," is a dedicated group of divers from around the globe united by a shared passion for preserving the stunning Amber Caye reef. With a commitment to making a positive impact on the local community, they collaborate closely with Ched Cabral from Reef Adventures Dive Shop and the "Access to Opportunity" initiative. Together, they work tirelessly to protect marine life and promote removal of lionfish, ensuring that the natural beauty of the reef is preserved for future generations.
Goal: Healthy reefs around Ambergris Caye and beyond
Lionfish are an invasive predator on Belize’s reefs, where they feed heavily on juvenile reef fish that help keep corals healthy and algae in check. With few natural predators in the Atlantic and rapid reproduction, lionfish can quickly reduce native fish populations, disrupt the reef food web, and weaken reef resilience—especially on already stressed reefs.
Belize is tackling the problem through coordinated removals and community action: regular lionfish culls by divers and fishers, derbies and targeted reef sweeps, training and outreach on safe handling, and promoting lionfish as a food fish to create ongoing demand. These efforts don’t eliminate lionfish entirely, but consistent, repeated removals can significantly lower local densities and help native reef communities recover.
We partner with "Reef Adventures Dive Shop" and "Access to Opportunity".
"They had just landed at the dock with a good size cooler of lionfish and a priceless memory between friends, thanks to their favorite dive shop making it possible."
Tacogirl - Fish counting fun - 2021 tournament
