Tag:
Belize Fisheries Department
Conservation
Island stakeholders discuss protection of Belize’s seagrass ecosystems
A series of socialization sessions to discuss the development of a National Seagrass Policy is currently taking place across Belize. One of the stakeholder engagement sessions was held in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, on May 21st, where several suggestions were shared on how best to manage the country’s extensive seagrass meadows, which are critical for fisheries, coastal protection, and carbon sequestration. The new policy aims to curb damage caused by dredging, coastal construction, and pollution.
Conservation
San Pedro Stakeholders Weigh In on Marine Protected Areas Expansion
Fishermen and tour guides gathered on April 24th in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, for a consultation on the proposed expansion of biodiversity protection zones in Belize. Presentations focused on areas along the country’s Caribbean coast that could be designated for protection, supporting Belize’s goal of safeguarding 30% of its marine space by 2030. Currently, approximately 25% of the country’s sea space is designated as marine protected areas.
Business & Economy
Queen Conch Season Cut Short by Over Two Months
The Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) season will close more than two months ahead of its scheduled June 30 end date after the production quota for the 2025–2026 fishing season was reached. The quota is set and monitored by the Belize Fisheries Department. Conch lovers can still enjoy the delicacy through the Easter holidays before the closure takes effect, with the season expected to reopen on October 1, 2026.
Business & Economy
Lobster Exports Among Key Drivers of Belize’s Economic Growth in 2025
During a presentation by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) on March 25th, lobster exports were identified as a major contributor to the national economy's growth in 2025. However, in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, fishermen reported a decline in the number of large lobsters throughout the season.
Environment
SPTC opens applications for sargassum mitigation efforts
As sargassum continues to cover coastlines and threaten marine ecosystems on Ambergris Caye, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has implemented a formal approval process for mitigation measures, including sargassum corrals and heavy machinery. The initiative, launched on March 23rd, aims to control the increasing inflow of seaweed affecting beaches, tourism, and daily life on the island.
Business & Economy
Decline in Large Lobsters Reported by San Pedro Fishermen
Belize’s 2025–2026 lobster season, which ran from July 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, impacted both commercial fishermen and tour guides offering fishing trips in San Pedro Town. While the season closed without any major issues, the Belize Fisheries Department has not yet released its official statistics for the period.
Conservation
Authorities Issue Warning After Multiple Manatees Killed by Boat Strikes
The Belize Fisheries Department issued an urgent warning on March 3, 2026, to all vessel operators after several recent manatee strandings across the country. In February, eight manatees were reported stranded in areas including Corozal, Belize City, Placencia, Gales Point, and Hopkins. Authorities confirmed that three of these cases—one adult male and two adult females, found on February 11th, 14th, and 16th—resulted from boat strikes.
Conservation
Belize Fisheries Department Urges Heightened Caution Following Multiple Manatee Strandings in February
The Belize Fisheries Department is issuing a serious and urgent reminder to all vessel operators following multiple manatee strandings recorded across the country during the month of February 2026. The Belize Marine Mammal Stranding Network documented eight manatee strandings in Corozal, Belize City, Placencia, Gales Point, and Hopkins. Of particular concern are three confirmed cases in which injuries consistent with vessel strikes were identified.