The conservation of maritime areas under Belizean jurisdiction is undertaken in the context of a relatively uncoordinated assortment of legislative acts. These acts give authority to several key government agencies, including the Fisheries Department, Forest Department, Lands and Survey Department, Port Authority, and Coastal Zone Management Authority. The legislation above provides several key conservation tools for private entities in Belize. A number of NGOs have entered into co-management agreements with the Fisheries Department to manage a series of marine reserves established under the Fisheries Act. There is also some limited precedent for private ownership of property rights in maritime areas through leases or ownership in fee. In addition, there is precedent for private ownership of certain property rights in maritime areas through the Belize Port Authority and Petroleum Acts. Private rights of action to protect environmental values are protected through the Environmental Protection Act and Nuisances Act. Part I identifies key geographic terms that apply to maritime areas; summarizes useful definitions and provisions in legislation affecting maritime areas; and identifies key agencies responsible for implementing the legislation. Part II discusses currently accessible legal tools for conservation, with an emphasis on property ownership interests and co-management agreements. Part III suggests several key legislative actions that could be taken to strengthen the ability of private organizations to conserve maritime areas, and Part IV brings together our final conclusions.