Conservation

Belize is rich in fisheries resources and supports the livelihoods of thousands across the country. However, these resources must be responsibly accessed, and to make sure the stock of marine products remains a healthy one; the government has created agencies to look after the wellbeing of the fisheries resources. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, along with fisheries and police officers, have been enforcing lobster, conch, and fishing regulations, to name a few. Many non-compliant fishermen have been detained, charged, and prosecuted at the San Pedro Magistrate Court for offenses. A recent incident saw six fisher-folks found guilty of breaking the law.

The Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve in northern Ambergris Caye is considered by many island residents an area exploited by encroachers endangering the unique and protected wildlife in that area. Many concerned residents continue to report illegal fishing, clearing of land, and hunting. The area is also a critical nesting area for sea turtles, and respective authorities are urged to do something before it is too late. The Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation (MBECA) is aware of the situation, and to continue the efforts to address the issue, the ministry participated in the signing of a subsidiary agreement between the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) and the Belize Fisheries Department to improve the management of the marine reserve network in the country.

A presentation over the weekend in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, was held to raise more awareness about the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease and other conditions affecting the Belize Barrier Reef. The first informative session was on Friday, July 15th, at the San Pedro Town Council conference room and was facilitated by the Fisheries Department and other partner organizations. Tour guides and operators eager to learn about the diseases killing coral reefs and what is currently being done in Belize to tackle the plagues attended the presentation.

Over the past weeks, more sea turtle nests have been spotted on the beaches of northern Ambergris Caye. The nesting season, which lasts through November, primarily covers an area from Punta Azul to Robles Beach and the Rocky Point area. Every year a crew from the Hol Chan Marine Reserve monitors and records the nesting period and the challenges affecting the season. This includes human activity such as increased and careless vehicular traffic and improper disposal of garbage. Recently, residents have discovered destroyed turtle nests and eggs on the beach.

The island of Ambergris Caye has experienced significant development over the years with minimal input from the science and engineering community, particularly concerning coastal infrastructure. The negative impacts of climate change can be seen in the continuous erosion that is taking a toll on the beaches of Belize’s prime tourism destination.  A recent visit by a group of scientists indicated that many of the efforts to protect the shoreline are instead causing more harm and aggravating the erosion issue. As a result, local stakeholders discussed nature-based solutions, including Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez, intending to look at the entire shoreline and address the problems for the benefit of the island community.

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.

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.

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.