We reported on an illegal conch crawl that TIDE rangers intercepted, where more than 100 conch, many of them undersized, were confiscated. The conch were safely released back into the wild. However, in a follow-up patrol, TIDE rangers returned to the same location and discovered that more conch had been stockpiled again. Their investigation led them to the caretaker of Tom Owens Caye, who they now believe to be responsible. According to TIDE, the caretaker is being accused of possessing undersized conch and stockpiling inside a marine reserve, both of which are illegal under Belize’s fisheries regulations. Authorities say they are now moving through the proper legal channels to bring charges against the individual. This developing case raises serious concerns about ongoing illegal harvesting in protected marine areas.