Meet the Woman Ensuring the Coral Reefs of Belize Don’t Just Survive, But Thrive

Biologist Lisa Carne has dedicated her career to regenerating Belize’s coral reefs.

When biologist Lisa Carne walked out onto a rickety dock in Placencia for the first time in 1994, laying eyes on a reef ecosystem abundant with elkhorn coral, lobsters, parrotfish, manta rays, and dolphins, she knew she’d found her place. She’d arrived at the small village in southern Belize by hitchhiking to work with the Smithsonian Institute mapping the shallow reefs in the Pelican Cayes. The job was only supposed to be a short-term gig lasting a few months, but Carne ended up finding her life’s passion and moving to Belize for good.