Environment
Record-breaking increase in Sargassum biomass reported in April; large amounts headed our way
Places like Ambergris Caye are experiencing massive beaching of the brown seaweed, posing a challenge to local authorities and threatening tourism. According to an April 30th report from the University of South Florida Optical Oceanography Laboratory, the overall sargassum amount has increased significantly over the Caribbean region setting a new record for April.
Environment
Assessment on sailboat stuck on reef by Tranquility area reportedly shows no damage to the reef
An update from the Department of Environment (DOE) on the sailboat named 'Ramblynn' still stuck on the reef in the Tranquility channel area off the north coast of Ambergris Caye revealed that there is no damage to the coral reef. The vessel has been there since March 17th and reportedly only hit solid rock. The next step from DOE and the Belize Port Authority is to find a safe way to remove it before it could cause any damage or obstruction to other navigators.
Environment
Closing of the Shark Fishing Season
The Belize Fisheries Department informs the public that in accordance with the Fisheries (Amendment) Regulation Statutory Instrument No.128 of 2021, the shark fishing season closure is from 1st May to 31st October of any year.
Environment
UPDATE: Belizean-American caught trying to smuggle undersized lobster tails at PGIA
The Fisheries Department (FD) has provided an update about a Belizean-American busted on Friday, April 22nd, attempting to smuggle out of the country 183 undersized lobster tails through the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA). After his detention, the unidentified man was issued a summons to be arraigned in the Magistrate Court. He faces a minimum fine of $20,000 for trying to export seafood without a valid permit, possession of lobster during the closed season, and possession of undersized lobster. According to the FD, the Magistrate will determine the fine and penalty in court.
Community and Society
Earth Day observed in Belize; Ambergris Caye to host activities over the weekend
On Friday, April 22nd, Belize joined the world in celebrating World Earth Day. This year, under the theme "Invest in Our Planet", several activities took place across the country, including tree planting and cleanups on the mainland. On Ambergris Caye, a two-day community event will start on Saturday, April 23rd, with environmental activities and a cleanup campaign in northern Ambergris Caye.
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.
Environment
Final phase-out date for possession of prohibited plastic products goes into effect March 31st
Through its Department of the Environment (DOE), the Government of Belize advises that the final phase-out date for prohibited plastic products is Thursday, March 31st. Importers and retailers are advised that possession of any banned items after this date will result in court action, which can incur fines and the cost of destruction or returning the items to the place of origin.
Community and Society
Belize’s vessel monitoring system is now live; fishing vessels can now be monitored in real-time
In June 2021, the Belize High Seas Fisheries Unit (BHSFU), Oceana, and Global Fishing Watch signed a memorandum of understanding to make vessel tracking data public, demonstrating Belize’s commitment to greater transparency in fishing activities at sea. On Monday, March 28th, it was announced that the platform showing this tracking data is now operating through a live map at https://globalfishingwatch.org/. The BHSFU can now monitor activities Belize’s fishing vessels are engaged in, in real-time.
