April 16, 2025

12:00pm – 1:00pm Terasaki Life Science Building 1100 (TLSB 1100)

Dr. Xochitl Clare
University of Washington

" EcoTrace Project: Mapping Environmental Pollution & Community Awareness in Placencia, Belize "

The EcoTrace Project, directed by Dr. Xochitl Clare, Belizean American postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washington’s (UW) School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences’ Padilla-Gamiño Lab, in collaboration with the University of Belize (UB) and the Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC), aims to investigate the ecological and social impacts of heavy metal contamination in Placencia, Belize. This work will be conducted during Dr. Clare’s time as a Washington Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow (2023-2027). This research focuses on analyzing heavy metal levels in megafauna, fished invertebrates, finfish, and sediment (Morelet’s crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii), snapper & grouper species (Epinephelus spp., Lutjanus spp.), Donkey dung sea cucumber, (Holothuria mexicana)) to understand the extent pollution impacts effects on these organisms and presence in Placencia Lagoon habitat. The project also includes a community surveys to assess public awareness and attitudes towards heavy metals in locally caught fish (UW IRB STUDY00020866, NICH Permit: In Progress). Marine science education portions of this work will be in the form of mediamaking education pilot programs that will support local coastal media makers on their journey to educate their communities on local coastal challenges. The findings of this work will provide a holistic view of biological and social aspects of environmental concerns, informing educational initiatives and fostering sustainable fish consumption practices.

Host: Paul Barber