Tag:
Belize Fisheries Department
Conservation
52 Loggerhead Turtle Hatchlings Found Dead Amid Sargassum Buildup
The ongoing sargassum influx affecting San Pedro's coastline has been linked to the deaths of 52 loggerhead turtle hatchlings found on a beach on Monday, July 20th. As the current sea turtle nesting season is ongoing, the incident has raised concerns about the impact of heavy sargassum accumulations on vulnerable marine life.
Business & Economy
Lobster Season Opens with Strong First-Day Catches in San Pedro
The 2026-2027 lobster season officially opened in Belize on July 1st, with fishermen in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, heading out before dawn for their first catch of the season. By midday, many returned to their docks with hundreds of Caribbean spiny lobsters, and restaurant owners and seafood buyers were waiting to purchase the day's catch.
Conservation
Protected Permit Found Skinned Prompting Calls for Stronger Fisheries Enforcement
A skinned permit (Trachinotus falcatus), one of Belize's protected sport fish species, was discovered on June 22nd within a quarter mile of a fish trap in waters off Ambergris Caye, raising concerns about the illegal harvesting of a species considered vital to the country's catch-and-release sport fishing industry. The Belize Flats Fishery Association (BFFA) reported that a fly-fishing guide photographed the remains while on a fishing trip near one of the island's fish shops and alerted both the association and the Belize Fisheries Department.
Conservation
Government Temporarily Halts Dredging in Sensitive Coastal Areas
Following outrage from activists and environmental groups across the country, including those in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, over what they describe as unsustainable development practices such as dredging, the government has decided to temporarily halt the activity in sensitive areas.
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.