Environment
Sargassum products being developed for climate resilience
A partnership involving the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), the New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade Aid Programme, and Plant and Food Research Limited is collaborating to address the increasing influx of Sargassum in affected Caribbean countries each year. This project aims to mitigate the environmental and economic impacts of this specific seaweed by creating inclusive value chains from the brown algae.
Conservation
Preserving mangroves is essential for juvenile fish
Mangrove habitats in Belize are vital for juvenile fish, serving as essential nurseries supporting marine biodiversity and local fisheries. Often called the "nurseries of the sea," these coastal ecosystems provide shelter and food for young fish species, allowing them to thrive before migrating to open waters as adults. The complex root systems of mangroves create an environment that protects these juvenile fish from predators while offering plenty of foraging opportunities.
Environment
Conservation organizations disagree with Minister Perez’s statements regarding gillnet ban process
On February 21st, a joint press release by The Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries and Oceana stated that the Honorable Andre Perez, the Minister of Blue Economy in charge of the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD), misrepresented facts about Belize's gillnet ban. The statement emphasized that Perez's comments contradicted the transparent, multi-year process that led to the prohibition of gillnets in Belizean waters.
Environment
Public Notice: Closure of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster Season
The Fisheries Department hereby notifies fishers and the public that the fishing season for the Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) will conclude on February 28, 2025, in accordance with the regulations stipulated in Statutory Instrument No. 126 of 2024. The closed season for the Spiny Lobster is observed from March 1st to June 30th annually. Belize's closed season aligns with the harmonized regional lobster regulation (OSP-02-09) established by the Organization for Central American Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector (OSPESCA).
Environment
PACT Awards BZ$4.43 Million in Grants to enhance Belize’s Climate Resilience
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) today awarded BZ$4,430,141.81 in grants to support four subprojects under its Building Community Resilience via Transformative Adaptation project (EDA Project). Financed through the Adaptation Fund’s Enhanced Direct Access funding window, the BZ$10 million project aims to improve Belize’s long-term capacity to protect communities from the impacts of climate change over five years.
Conservation
Multimillion-dollar Blue Economy project approved by the World Bank to benefit Ambergris Caye
On Monday, February 3rd, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors announced that it had approved a new project called “Blue Cities and Beyond.” This initiative aims to support Belize’s Blue Economy by promoting the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources for economic development while protecting the environment and improving livelihoods. Valued at US$32.23 million, the project will fund initiatives in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize City, and Punta Gorda in southern Belize.
Conservation
Hol Chan’s Compliance and Enforcement Unit tackling illegal fishing in the reserve
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a vital marine protected area that attracts thousands of visitors yearly, boosting San Pedro’s economy. Established in 1987, the reserve encompasses a large expanse of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, serving as an essential habitat for diverse marine life. Despite its protected status, the reserve has encountered challenges due to illegal fishing practices threatening its ecological balance. To tackle these issues, the Compliance and Enforcement Unit of Hol Chan Marine Reserve has been conducting joint patrols with the San Pedro Police Formation at random times.
Environment
Experts predict a significant Sargassum season ahead
As winter transitions to spring and summer, countries along the Atlantic and Caribbean are beginning to monitor the inflow of Sargassum seaweed. Although the presence of this brown algae in January is unusual, some has already been spotted on the beaches of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Experts indicate that these early sightings suggest the potential for another significant Sargassum year, as a large pathway of the algae is being tracked in the Atlantic Ocean.
