Tag:
Belize Fisheries Department
Business & Economy
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 Disaster Risk Management, will declare the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) fishery closed at the close of business on June 9th, 2024. This is necessary due to the realization of the Queen Conch production quota for the 2023-2024 fishing season.
Conservation
The Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit hosts two-day mission with the Belize Fisheries Department
On April 22nd and 23rd, the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit, Office of the Prime Minister, hosted a two-day mission with the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD) to meet with on the ground partners in Southern Belize who are grantees from the conservation funding under the Belize Blue Bonds. On April 22nd, the team met up with the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, who has been instrumental in providing important scientific information for the sustainable use and conservation of sharks in Belize.
Conservation
The challenges sustainable fishers face in Belize
A family of committed fishermen from Sarteneja Village and its surrounding areas in the northern Corozal District uses the waters around Middle Long Caye sustainably. They are the Lopez family, led by Ismael Lopez Sr. and Jr., Rodrigo Lopez, and Nestor Lopez. The family has been fishing in the region for over four decades now. Despite their excellent practices, Ismael, one of the head fishers, shared that pirates, the effects of climate change, and the possibility of expanding marine protected areas without proper consultations often threaten their fishing camp.
Conservation
The 13th annual Reef Week is set to begin!
Belize's Barrier Reef Reserve System (BBRRS) plays a significant role in the country's economy and identity. Every year, conservation partners team up to highlight the reef's importance and celebrate its existence in Belize. The 13th Annual Reef Week 2024 will be celebrated from March 9th to 16th under the theme "Unite in the Coral Reef Fight: Learn, Teach, and Do What's Right!" The public is invited to participate in a week-long series of activities celebrating the Belize Barrier Reef while learning and having fun.
Conservation
Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association Blends Tradition with Technology to Save Belize’s Marine Ecosystems
Since 2013 the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA) has received its mandate as the official co-manager of the marine reserve from the Government of Belize through the Belize Fisheries Department. The award-winning nonprofit blends traditional engagement strategies and technology to redefine marine conservation and improve management effectiveness, which IUCN defines as ‘how well-protected areas are managed.’
Community and Society
Hol Chan Marine Reserve recognizes staff and partners in appreciation gala
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) hosted an appreciation celebration at El Patio Restaurant on Saturday, February 3rd, where they thanked their staff for their hard work and recognized several island stakeholders for their continued support. The gathering celebrated the organization’s achievements and partnership with the island community, highlighting the efforts for better tourism, fisheries, and conservation management.
Community and Society
Belize Tourism Board Recognizes Frontline Hero: Dwyane Garcia
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is proud to announce and celebrate Dwayne Garcia as the most recent recipient of the Frontline Hero Award. Dwayne's unwavering dedication and remarkable journey in his role as Coxswain and Captain at the Conservation Compliance Unit (CCU) of the Belize Fisheries Department have made him a shining example of heroism in Belize.
Environment
Illegal Pier at Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve continues to cause concerns on Ambergris Caye
Even though structures are not permitted in marine reserves in Belize unless proper permits are issued by the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD), a pier was built at Robles Point within the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve in northern Ambergris Caye. The construction of the dock in this UNESCO World Heritage Site has made many islanders unhappy, who continue to call on the respective authorities to enforce the law. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and the BFD are all aware of the situation, but little has been done to address the issue adequately.
