Tag:
Fisheries Department
Conservation
WTO Funding Strengthens Belize’s Push for Sustainable Fisheries
Belize has received a US$300,000 grant from the World Trade Organization (WTO) Fish Fund to support the Building Legal Understanding and Enforcement Capacity for Fisheries Subsidies Reform in Belize (BLUE-CAP) Project. The grant, announced on November 27, will help work led by the Directorate General for Foreign Trade, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, the Fisheries Department, and the High Seas Fisheries Unit, in partnership with the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM). Approved during the WTO Fish Fund steering committee meeting held on November 18–19, 2025, the project is part of a first-round disbursement of US$2.9 million awarded to 26 developing countries.
Business & Economy
Opening of the Stone Crab Fishing Season
The Fisheries Department takes this opportunity to inform all fishers and the public that in accordance with the Fisheries Resources Act and Statutory Instrument No.108 of 2022, the Florida Stone Crab (Menippe mercenaria) fishing season opens from October 1st, 2025, to June 30th, 2026.
Government
Cayo Rosario Development
The Department of the Environment (DOE), within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management held a meeting with all key regulatory government agencies to discuss the Cayo Rosario Project and the concerns raised by the public. Key government agencies included the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, Fisheries Department, Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Forest Department, Lands and Surveys Department, Mining Unit, Central Building Authority, and Belize Port Authority.
Community and Society
Public Notice – Opening of the Stone Crab Fishing Season
The Fisheries Department takes this opportunity to inform all fishers and the public that in accordance with the Fisheries Resources Act and Statutory Instrument No. 108 of 2022, the Florida Stone Crab (Menippe mercenaria) fishing season opens from October 1, 2024, to June 30th, 2025.
Government
Opening of Sea Cucumber Fishing Season
In accordance with the Fisheries Resources (Sea Cucumber) Regulations under Statutory Instruments No. 67 of 2009 and 107 of 2022, the Fisheries Department hereby informs fisher folks with a valid commercial fishing license that the Sea Cucumber fishery will be open for fishing during the period of September 1st, 2024 to January 31, 2025, or when the catch quota is realized, whichever is first.
Conservation
Nassau Grouper season opens in Belize
The Nassau Grouper season in Belize is officially open from April 1st to November 30th. However, the Fisheries Department reminds fishermen about the critical status of the Nassau Grouper, the importance of responsible fishing practices, and adherence to fisheries regulations.
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).