As a veterinarian and avid wildlife advocate, I’ve spent my career nurturing animals and educating others on the importance of conservation. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to combine my passion for animal care and environmental stewardship during a volunteer trip to Tom Owen’s Cay in Belize, where I completed my advanced open water scuba training and earned a lionfish specialty certification. Accompanied by my offspring, who completed their open water scuba training, we embarked on a journey that was as eye-opening as it was enriching.
Tom Owen’s Cay is a small, secluded island in the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. For a week, we lived on an island no larger than the treatment room at Guardian Animal Medical Center, immersing ourselves in the stunning marine environment. The vibrant underwater world teemed with life—nurse sharks, eels, colorful nudibranchs, sea slugs, sea cucumbers, and an array of dazzling fish species and corals.
Every dive brought new wonders and adventures, yet it also highlighted an increasingly alarming issue: ocean plastic pollution. This experience underscored the critical need for conservation efforts, not just on land but also in our oceans.
One of our training presentations focused on the pervasive problem of single-use plastics in the ocean. Plastic waste poses a severe threat to marine life. Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, their primary food source, leading to ingestion and often fatal consequences. Birds, fish, and turtles can become entangled in plastic rings, leading to injury or death. The issue is not confined to coastal regions; plastic debris is found miles from shore, affecting even the most remote marine habitats.
During a dive, I witnessed firsthand the stark reality of this pollution. We dropped off the boat into the crystal-clear waters, miles away from any human settlement. As we descended, I spotted a food bar wrapper suspended in the water column. On our ascent, I retrieved a piece of floating cellophane and a blue balloon from the surface. These items, seemingly innocuous on land, are deadly in the ocean. The realization that this debris was floating 10 to 15 feet below the surface, far from its origin, was a sobering reminder of the far-reaching impact of human activity.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our trip was participating in a beach cleanup on a remote island. Our group scoured the shoreline, collecting an astonishing amount of trash. Among the debris, we discovered a plastic toy car, the kind meant for children to ride in, washed ashore 25 miles from the mainland. This stark discovery underscored the magnitude of the problem and the urgent need for global action.
Back at Guardian Animal Medical Center, we have always been committed to reducing our plastic footprint. We have implemented practices to minimize waste, such as cleaning and autoclaving vaccine syringes for use with oral medications and reusing prescription vials. While these efforts may seem small, they contribute to a larger movement towards sustainability and conservation.
Education is a crucial component of conservation. By raising awareness about the impacts of plastic pollution, we can inspire others to take action. At Guardian Animal Medical Center, we strive to educate our clients and the community about environmental stewardship. Simple actions, such as reducing single-use plastic consumption, properly disposing of waste, and supporting clean-up initiatives, can collectively make a significant difference.
Moreover, as veterinarians, we have a unique platform to advocate for wildlife conservation. Our work extends beyond the clinic; it encompasses the broader ecosystem that all animals, including humans, inhabit. By fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of life, we can promote a culture of care and responsibility towards our planet.
My experience in Belize reinforced the importance of proactive conservation efforts. Witnessing the beauty and fragility of marine life, juxtaposed with the pervasive threat of plastic pollution, was a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect our environment. As I continue my work at Guardian Animal Medical Center, I am more committed than ever to
integrating sustainable practices into our operations and advocating for broader environmental initiatives.
We must all play a role in preserving the natural world for future generations. Whether through individual actions, community involvement, or professional advocacy, each effort contributes to a healthier, more sustainable planet. I encourage everyone to take steps, no matter how small, towards reducing their environmental impact. Together, we can make a difference.
Our time in Belize was transformative, not only in terms of our diving skills but also in deepening our commitment to environmental stewardship. The vivid memories of the diverse marine life we encountered are intertwined with the sobering reality of plastic pollution. As we move forward, let us carry these lessons with us and work collectively towards a cleaner, healthier ocean.
At Guardian Animal Medical Center, we will continue to strive for excellence in animal care while championing the cause of environmental conservation. By working together, we can protect the delicate balance of our ecosystems and ensure a vibrant, thriving world for all species.
MJ Wixsom, DVM MS, is the owner of Guardian Animal Medical Center. She holds veterinary licenses in multiple states and is dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.