Distinctive for their bright purple and yellow coloring and dark dorsal fin spot, fairy basslets (Gramma loreto) are abundant throughout the Belize Barrier Reef System. Divers who wish to observe them closely must be patient—these fish are easily frightened and will retreat into a crevice when approached.

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, a multidisciplinary team of conservationists, photojournalists, and new media specialists documented and explored the Belizean Barrier Reef Reserve System. Representatives from EarthWild International, University of California (Berkeley), Nationalgeographic.com, Belize Audubon, and the Wildlife Conservation Society examined universal challenges to conservation and sustainable development and celebrated successes in the preservation of our common natural heritage.

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