ProDive shop called the Hol Chan Marine Reserve who then called us to come and investigate an eagle ray mortality near Banyan Bay. The deceased female eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari) seemed in perfect shape aside from a dorsal scrape and no spine. Thanks mucho to Kirah Forman for the photos and to Jairo Osorio for the help, especially in getting the jaw out.
(15 photos)
Dead Sea Creatures Wash Ashore Unexplained in Ambergris Caye
The summer days in Belize are packing on the HEAT and everybody is looking for ways to cool off. Most of us hit the beach, but recently there has been a massive influx of sargassum seaweed that is accumulating along the shoreline and the temperature of the sea water has been very high as well. Everyone is feeling the heat, including the beautiful sea creatures. Ambergris Today was contacted by the crew at Belize Pro Dive Center that was worried about the sudden discovery of dead fish along the shore on Monday, August 25, 2014.
The carcass of a deep sea creature - the beautiful spotted eagle ray was seen floating ashore as well as several other fish and even eels. What is causing these creatures to die is uncertain as there are several factors that could contribute to the death of the animals, including the increase in water temperature, the feeding of the sea creatures or the sargassum seaweed wash up.