Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Tag:

Fisheries Resources Act

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.

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.

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.

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)