To preserve the marine species Queen Conch (Strombus Gigas) the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD) has come up with 884,092 pounds as the Total Allowable Catch for the 2017-2018 season. The season opened on October 1st and is expected to close on June 30, 2018. However, the public is advised that if the conch production quota is met before June of next year, the season will be declared closed.
The BFD also encourages fishermen to deliver their conch product at the various cooperatives located in the various parts of the country. According to management at the Department, this will ensure that the conch is not illegally exported to markets in Guatemala or Honduras.
According to the BFD, the legal size of conch flesh continues to be three ounces or more when it is 85% cleaned or 2 ¾ ounces or more when fully processed for the market. Fishermen should also ensure that the shell is larger than seven inches for it to meet the harvest standards. Any conch flesh not meeting those sizes is considered undersized and illegal for marketing.
The Department warns that any person who contravenes any of these regulations commits an offense and shall be liable on summary conviction. The quota regulation is in accordance with Regulation 24A (2) of Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2012 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Regulations, 2012. Such regulation implements a set of export quota for the mentioned species. This regulation has been put into play to safeguard diminishing populations of the species.
The Department also takes this opportunity to make a special appeal and urges responsible citizens to call 224-4552/203-2623 or email [email protected] or Crime Stoppers Belize at 0-800-922-TIPS (8477) to report any fisheries infractions. All information communicated will be treated in the strictest confidence.
