Tag:
Belize Fisheries Department
Government
Belize Advances Science-Based, Collaborative Pathway for Sustainable Fisheries Management
The Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, together with the Belize Fisheries Department, reaffirmed the central role of healthy fisheries as a cornerstone of Belize’s Blue Economy. Fisheries remain vital to national food security, cultural identity, and the livelihoods of thousands of Belizeans, making their sustainable management an essential pillar in the country’s pathway to a resilient, nature-positive Blue Economy.
Environment
Area Representative weighs in on Silver Palm development in northern Ambergris Caye
A significant new development in northern Ambergris Caye, dubbed Silver Palm, has raised concerns among environmentalists, residents, and local authorities. The proposed community project, planned on a 237-acre island northwest of Ambergris Caye, has come under scrutiny after moving forward without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and despite reported objections from the Belize Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Blue Economy. Area Representative and Minister of Blue Economy, Honorable Andre Perez, said island residents were not consulted and argued that such a project is not suitable for this environmentally sensitive area.
Conservation
Stakeholders Unite to Strengthen Belize’s Fisheries Enforcement Efforts
On November 11th, a validation workshop was held in Belize City for the National Fisheries Enforcement and Conservation Monitoring Strategy and Action Plan. The session emphasized the importance of developing an effective national strategy to protect Belize’s marine resources, bringing together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Belize Coast Guard, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, and the 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.
