Tag:
Fisheries Department
Conservation
Belize’s Quest for Sustainable Solutions to Finance Marine Protected Areas
Belize, though small in size, stands as a beacon of ambition in the realm of coastal and marine protection. Internationally acclaimed for its commitment to conservation, Belize has 103 protected areas, 32 of which are Coastal and Marine Protected Areas (CAMPAs). Each protected area is designated under a specific category based on why it is being protected.
Community and Society
Closure of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster Fishing Season
The Fisheries Department hereby notifies fishers and the public that the fishing season for the Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) will conclude on February 29, 2024, in accordance with the regulations stipulated in Statutory Instrument No. 128 of 2021. The closed season for the Spiny Lobster is observed from March 1st to June 30th annually. Belize's closed season aligns with the harmonized regional lobster regulation (OSP-02-09) established by the Organization for Central American Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector (OSPESCA).
Government
The Fisheries Department is equipped with a Vehicle and an Outboard Engine as part of strengthening Belize Fisheries Governance and Management Eddectiveness in Belize’s...
On January 19, 2024, the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit handed over a Toyota Hilux Vehicle and an outboard engine to the Fisheries Department. This donation is valued at BZ$130,040 as part of a larger BZ$11.7 million investment being executed in the framework of the project titled “Establishing the enabling environment for the development of a Marine Spatial Plan through strengthened governance, improved management, and enhanced monitoring of Belize’s coastal and marine resources”.
Environment
Belize Reef Systems experiences “worst” coral bleaching event
In the past months, the Belize reef system has been experiencing adverse effects of coral bleaching. According to the Fisheries Department, bleaching is not uncommon and, over the past decades, has been caused mainly by a rise in seawater temperatures in combination with chronic local stressors and practices. Several organizations across the country have been working together to support the ability of coral ecosystems to become more tolerant, resistant, and resilient to their external stressors. The current bleaching is arguably one of the worst bleaching events Belize's reef systems have experienced in the last decade.
Environment
Recent Coral Bleaching Event
The Fisheries Department informs the public of the recent bleaching events impacting Belize’s reefs. These events are not uncommon and over the past decades have been caused mainly by a rise in seawater temperatures in combination with chronic local stressors and practices. This trend in occurrence and severity of mass coral bleaching events has been continuous. As such, a “prescription” for a “cure” is unavailable, hence, there is the need to rely on approaches that support the ability of coral ecosystems to become more tolerant, resistant, and resilient to their external stressors.
Environment
Belize Aggressor removed from Lighthouse Reef; damage assessment commences
The diving vessel Belize Aggressor IV, which was stuck at Lighthouse Reef, has finally been removed. The Belize Port Authority (BPA) said on Monday, November 27th, that the vessel was successfully refloated after being grounded near the Aquarium Dive Site for around ten days. An in-depth assessment of the damage to the coral reef is now underway. Following that, a fine will be assessed for the damage caused by the diving vessel.
Community and Society
ACES Wildlife Rescue and HCMR assist Green Turtle in distress
A distressed female adult Green Sea Turtle was assisted on Tuesday around 6:30PM after being rescued from the lagoon side near downtown San Pedro. Members of ACES Wildlife Rescue spotted the troubled turtle and monitored its safety until personnel from the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) arrived. The injured turtle was taken to Hol Chan’s base for evaluation and transported to Belize City, where the Fisheries Department will observe her.
Environment
Discovery of turtle carcasses causes concern in San Pedro; HCMR discards poaching suspicions
The sight of turtle carcasses in the San Mateo area on Wednesday, July 12th, caused a stir of concern in San Pedro Town. Sea turtles have been protected in Belize since 1993. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) team quickly acted but later explained that the findings were unrelated to poaching.
