TURNEFFE FLATS, EL PESCADOR, BELIZE RIVER LODGE WIN ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATION OF YEAR AWARDS

BELIZE CITY, Belize – Three fishing lodges were jointly named Environmental Organization of the Year last night (4/22/09) by the Belize Tourist Board in recognition of their joint efforts to promote the passage of catch and release fishing legislation for permit, bonefish and tarpon in the small Central American nation.

Craig Hayes of Turneffe Flats, Alissa Flota of El Pescador and Mike Heusner of Belize River Lodge accepted the environmental tribute.

According to the Belize Tourism Board, the Environmental Organization of the Year award was created to recognize “an organization that is a leader in the conservation and preservation of Belize's natural resources; practices sustainable management of Belize's natural resources, supports community development and promotes public awareness and education of environmental preservation.”

The three fishing lodge owners played a significant role in the passage of the legislation. “It is truly an honor to be part of a country that puts its natural resources and the environment at the forefront, as well as recognizes the importance of protecting Mother Nature to ensure our livelihood for future generations,” they jointly said.