This week Oceana, the world’s largest conservation based organization announced via a press release that Dr. Isani Chan, a highly qualified Marine Scientist has joined its staff in Belize. According to the press release, Chan’s experience and expertise will definitely bolster Oceana’s efforts to protect Belize’s precious marine resources.
“It is my honor to return to Belize after eight years of being overseas to continue my personal commitment to protecting the world’s oceans,” says Chan. “Being a part of a dynamic team that is dedicated to both protecting and restoring the world’s oceans has always been one of my utmost goals. Our marine environment continues to be negatively impacted by an increase in anthropogenic activities including overfishing and carbon dioxide emission. In my new role as Oceana Belize’s marine scientist, I will work to enhance the policies governing Belize’s unique and economically important marine ecosystems.”
Speaking about Dr. Chan, Larry France Marketing Manager of Chabil Mar, a guest exclusive resort in Placencia said that it is great news to hear that a son of Belize is relocating from Taiwan to assume an imperative role in protecting and preserving Belize’s pristine marine environment.
“We all know how vital the ecotourism industry in Belize is”, says France who believes that Dr Chan has the perfect talent to defend and safeguard Belize’s unique reefs.
Chan holds doctoral degrees in both Marine Biology and Philosophy from the National Taiwan Ocean University in Taiwan as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Belize.
For the past eight years, he has been working in Taiwan in the field of natural resource management and conservation. Chan has also worked as a Marine Biologist for the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute and as a Fisheries Officer and Marine Biologist at the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve for the Belize Fisheries Department.
Chan’s work has been published in several respected science based platforms and his most recent projects include studies on the impact of polluted environments on coral as well as the population and growth of the Queen Conch.
On behalf of Chabil Mar Management and Staff we welcome you back to Belize and congrats on your new Job Dr. Chan!
