Tag:
Fisheries Resources Act
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.
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).
Environment
Closure of the Florida Stone Crab Fishing Season
The Fisheries Department - Belize 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 is declared closed from July 1st to September 30th, 2023.
Community and Society
Spiny Lobster season comes to a close; fishermen and restaurateurs declare a good season
The 2022-2023 season of the Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) officially closed on Tuesday, February 28th, through June 30th. The fishermen said the stock was satisfactory throughout the season, providing them with good fishing grounds while leading seafood restaurants added that the supply of the popular crustacean was enough for their operations.
Conservation
Turtle Nesting Season Under Threat from Human Activity
The 2022 Turtle Nesting Season is underway, with nests already registered on the beaches of North Ambergris Caye. While the island has long been a hot spot for turtle nesting, the increase in human activity has threatened the health of a successful nesting season in recent years. According to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the local authorities in charge of monitoring and recording the nesting season on Ambergris Caye, the main areas are from Punta Azul to Robles Beach and the Rocky Point area.
Community and Society
Environmental authorities condemn handling turtle hatchlings; it is illegal and harmful for baby turtles
Videos and images on social media of people handling baby sea turtles have prompted the Belize Fisheries Department and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve to launch an investigation into this practice, which is illegal under the Fisheries Resources Act No. 7 of 2020. Observation of wildlife is encouraged, but without human interaction, as these creatures must follow their natural life cycle.
Conservation
Reminder – Protection of Sea Turtles
The Department hereby reminds the PUBLIC that in accordance with Regulation 10 of Statutory Instrument No. 66 of 2002, under the Fisheries Resources Act No. 7 of 2020:
• No person shall fish for in the waters of Belize or buy, sell, or have in possession any turtle of the following species:
a) Eretmochelys imbricata (Hawksbill Turtle)
b) Caretta caretta (Loggerhead Turtle)
c) Chelonia mydas (Green Turtle)
d) Dermochelys coriacea (Leatherback Turtles)
