Purpose

Explore the Witconcrete in Turneffe Atoll, Belize

A Premier dive and snorkel destination in Turneffe

• checkmarkThe Witconcrete is a concrete ship measuring 375 ft in length, 56 ft width and 38 ft height
• checkmarkBuilt post WWII and used for sugar transport
• checkmarkShe is being donated to TASA by Belize Sugar Industries Ltd (BSI) – AND – will required funding
  for preparation and sinking, which will be covered by TASA
• checkmarkThe objective is to utilise the vessel both for snorkelling and diving
• checkmarkShe is expected to become a premiere wreck dive/snorkel site in Turneffe (large, easy access,
  compartments to explore)
• checkmarkThe wreck will act as an artificial reef attracting and retaining marine life (jacks, groupers,
  barracudas, hammerhead, rays, corals etc.)

Attracting and retaining vibrant marine life.

• checkmarkDivers and snorkelers LOVE wrecks
• checkmarkFlorida study on sinking of the Vandenberg
• checkmark40% increase in users
• checkmark64% increase in dives and 22% increase in snorkels
• checkmarkIncrease in fauna associated with reefs (coral, fish, invertebrates) at the site – protected by TASA with expected spill over into neighbouring areas

Site in Turneffe

• checkmarkLarge sandy area (length: circa 500feet , width: 260 ft) – allows for a margin of error in sinking, to ensure that coral reefs are not impacted
• checkmarkA gentle slope – to reduce the possibility of ship movement after sinking, and allowing for snorkelling as well as diving
• checkmarkDepth: 60ft
• checkmarkReplenishment Zone – the vessel will attract fish and hence Fishers. A zone where fishing is already prohibited will allow for a reduction of conflict between Fishers and Divers, as well as
  provision of a safe space for fish to accumulate.
• checkmarkProximity to TASA Base – will allow for ease of enforcement and management of the site