Conservation
National Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) Stock Assessment
The Belize Fisheries Department held a National Spiny Lobster Stock Assessment Workshop from June 20–24, 2022 in Belize City in partnership with Environmental Defense Fund and with expert support from Cuba’s Centro de Investigaciones Pesqueras (CIP)/ Center for Fisheries Research). The workshop convened scientists, fishery managers, and other stakeholders to conduct a scientific assessment of the spiny lobster population in Belize to inform the sustainable management of the lobster fishery.
Conservation
Stakeholder Engagement Strategy & Action Plan Consultation for the Coastal Zone Areas and Fisheries Sector of Belize
The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation (MBECA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative for Jamaica, the Bahamas and Belize, and Belize’s National Designated Authority to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) organized the 1st Consultation on Stakeholder Engagement Strategy & Action Plan for The Coastal Zone Areas and Fisheries Sector of Belize.
Conservation
Belize Fisheries Department informs public of Amendments to the Spiny Lobster Regulations
The Belize Fisheries Department, Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation takes this opportunity to inform the fishing community and the general public that selected provisions of Statutory Instrument 128 of 2021, including amendments to the Spiny lobster regulations will be implemented in a phased approach. This strategy has become necessary given the outcomes of recent engagements with several fishing communities across the country.
Conservation
Turtle Nesting Season Under Threat from Human Activity
The 2022 Turtle Nesting Season is underway, with nests already registered on the beaches of North Ambergris Caye. While the island has long been a hot spot for turtle nesting, the increase in human activity has threatened the health of a successful nesting season in recent years. According to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the local authorities in charge of monitoring and recording the nesting season on Ambergris Caye, the main areas are from Punta Azul to Robles Beach and the Rocky Point area.
Conservation
Climate Crisis Response must be Science Based, Legal and Community Led
The climate crisis playing out along Belize’s coast and cayes is further evidence of the grim consequences of a fossil fuel-driven planet. Several parts of our coastline and a number of popular islands, which generations of Belizeans once enjoyed, have been dramatically and irrevocably reclaimed by the sea. This is what is happening to South Silk Caye in the Gladden Spit Silk Cayes Marine Reserve.Â
Community and Society
Hol Chan Marine Reserve announces activities for Reef Fest 2022
After two years following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, more social events are resurfacing in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Next on the...
Conservation
Hol Chan Marine Reserve tackles irregular fishing activities; adds more patrols around island waters
The monitoring and surveillance of waters around the island, particularly within the marine protected areas, have significantly increased over the past weeks. Entities spearheading the patrolling include the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the Belize Coast Guard, Fisheries Department, and San Pedro Police Formation. Recent sting operations have led to the detention of several persons engaged in illegal fishing in the reserve. The public is reminded that offenses such as irregular fishing or activities against the Fisheries Act can lead to prosecution.
Community and Society
Crocodile attack in Caye Caulker leaves young man injured
Young received injuries to the forehead and chin and was transported to the KHMH in Belize City, where he remains in a stable condition.