The Belize Audubon Society has announced the closure of all nine protected areas. This includes the Halfmoon Caye Natural Monument, Blue Hole Natural Monument, St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Actun Tunichil Muknal Natural Monument, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Guanacaste National Park, Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, and Victoria Peak Natural Monument. This immediate closure of the protected areas for the safety of all concerned has become necessary due to possible strengthening of Tropical Storm Matthew. The Belize Audubon Society will issue another public notice informing the public of the re-opening of these protected areas.