There is that mentality. Developers have a long history of wanting mangroves removed. Florida has learned the lesson and is of some example for the rest of us.
http://funandsun.com/1tocf/natf/mangrove.html
http://www.reclamationproject.net/learn.htm
The cutting at night and under the guise of hurricane distraction is a technique by realtor's and developers in my neighborhood.
Government has never to my knowledge prosecuted anyone for it.
It all has to do with the perception they are unattractive and therefor make the property less marketable.
white sandy beach is highly marketable however an obvious deception when it washes away.

Elbert, I am quite sure Mangrove is not protected in Belize. When you want to see some beach front mangrove planting in action, go to Waldo, just north of you. He's planted about 80 over the past 3 years, and I think about 20 are still alive.

You know , your right I googled it.
Damn.

Hey Elbert, guess I just gave you some work to do!

Awesome job san pedro sun....Great reporting, very refreshing!!.. we love it!!!

Hummmmmm, Short you have definitely started something.
I've discovered harvesting mangrove (White mangrove) is an industry).
Red mangrove is the erosion helper and a Law locally ,one made by the Town Board, could be easily done and do a lot of good.Permits could be issued to allow cutting of what is deemed necessary and non permitted cutting could be fined/punished.
So now I need to talk with the Mayor. love this town, you know in the states you would have a snowballs chance of sitting down with the mayor and discussing an issue.
Thanks Short.I'm going to kick this around.

and thats a totally unbiased opinion BelizeanQueen. :-)
I like them also.

I listened to a very informative presentation by the Hol Chan Marine reserve last night at our dive shop. The Hol Chan group is making the rounds presenting to tour guides information about the reserve to help the guides be aware of rules and plans for the reserves expansion.
Interesting info about mangroves and sea grass beds, also it seems it is against the law to cut mangroves, or at least with out a permit from forestry dept. in or outside the reserve.
Hol Chan did a superb presentation to the guides very impressive.
It is comforting that they understand the importance of the sea grass beds as well as the mangrove.
Another interesting thing came out in the meeting, 'slow growth of mangrove isn't necessarily true, its directly related to nutrition.'