Tag:
Belize Fisheries Department
Conservation
Public Input Sought on Belize’s Marine Conservation Plans
The National Consultations for Increasing High Protection for Biodiversity in Belize hosted its San Pedro community session on October 29th at the Sunbreeze Hotel, marking the second phase of the Resilient Bold Belize (RBB) Initiative. The consultation was led by the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan team and supported by the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, the Office of the Prime Minister’s Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit, the Belize Fisheries Department, the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Business & Economy
New Fishing Seasons Begin for Queen Conch and Stone Crab, Mixed Opinions on Conch Stock
The Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) and Florida Stone Crab (Menippe mercenaria) seasons officially opened in Belize on Wednesday, October 1st. Both seasons run until June 30, 2026, unless production quotas are met earlier, in which case they will be closed. While Stone Crab fishing is not common in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, conch remains a popular choice. Some fishers reported a bountiful opening day, while others said stocks continue to decline each year.
Community and Society
Reef Protection Efforts Strengthened at San Pedro Workshop
On Thursday, August 21st, from 10AM to noon, a stakeholder consultation workshop was held at the Lion’s Den in San Pedro. The session was part of Belize’s Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) process under the Resilient Bold Belize (RBB) Initiative. It was sponsored by the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, the Office of the Prime Minister’s Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit, the Belize Fisheries Department, the Belize Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Community and Society
Lobster Season Is Back; Fishers Register a Bountiful Supply on the First Day
On July 1st, the 2025–2026 lobster season officially opened in Belize. Fishermen across the country headed out early for their first catch of the season. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, fisher-folk returned to their dock with hundreds of Caribbean spiny lobsters. The fishers reported a very fruitful first day, catching large lobsters, which were cleaned and prepared for delivery to the various restaurants offering the popular crustacean on their menus.
Community and Society
Lobster Season Opens on July 1st
All fishers and the general public are advised that the highly anticipated season for the Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) will officially open on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. The Belize Fisheries Department (BFD) noted that this is in accordance with the Fisheries Act and its Subsidiary Regulations. The season will remain open until February 28, 2026.
Community and Society
Public Notice: Closure of the Queen Conch Fishing Season
The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs all fishers and the public that, in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2012, the Honourable Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, will declare the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) fishery closed at the close of business on May 25, 2025. This is necessary due to the realization of the Queen Conch production quota for the 2024-2025 fishing season.
Environment
False killer whales near Drown Caye make it to deep sea without incident
On April 22nd, an incident suggesting a mass stranding was initially reported as pilot whales occurred near Drown Caye off the coast of Belize City. Authorities later clarified that the animals were likely false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens), as they closely resemble pilot whales. Over 30 whales were involved, prompting an emergency response.
Conservation
Belize Gears Up for Reef Week 2025: “Building Resilience from Ridge to Reef!”
Local non-governmental organizations, tourism partners, and business allies are coming together to celebrate the 14th Annual Reef Week from Saturday, March 15th to Saturday, March 22nd, 2025. Under the theme “Building Resilience from Ridge to Reef!”, this week-long event will highlight the Belize Barrier Reef’s critical role in the national economy, environmental health, and Belizean identity.
