Wee Wee Caye Marine Lab

This biological lab, established in 1988, is located nine miles off the coast of southern Belize in the Stann Creek District.

Currently owned by two American citizens and researchers, Paul and Mary Shave, this lab employs individuals from local communities in Dangriga when visitors are present.

The lab acts as a support facility to academic programs interested in marine, coastal, and tropical ecological studies.

Rustic cabins provide housing to visitors, and meals are served three times a day and are prepared by local cooks.

Boardwalks connect cabins within the mangrove forest in order to prevent compaction and damage to the surrounding environment.

Mode of transportation and view of surrounding dock area, March 2010
Sustainable building practice that supports ecological health and proper filtration: Boardwalks prevent compaction , erosion , and ecological damage , all the while providing significant habitat to a variety of wildlife . Contrasts significantly to local islands, whose artificial beaches negatively impact natural reef ecosystems.