The Belize Fisheries Department has issued a formal advisory to all commercial and recreational fishers, mandating the removal of lobster traps from national waters by February 28, 2026. This action initiates the nation’s annual seasonal closure, which remains in effect from March 1 through June 30, 2026.
This regulatory measure forms part of a scientifically-backed conservation strategy designed to facilitate population recovery and sustain long-term fishery health. During this three-month period, strict prohibitions against lobster possession, capture, or trade will be rigorously enforced. Violations will be prosecuted under the statutory provisions of the Fisheries Resources Act, Chapter 210.
Enhanced maritime surveillance operations will be conducted throughout Belize’s territorial waters to ensure compliance. Authorities have encouraged public participation in enforcement efforts, providing dedicated channels for reporting illegal activities: telephone hotline 224-4552 and official email fisheries_department@fisheries.gov.bz.
The seasonal moratorium aligns with regional conservation protocols established by the Organization of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of the Central American Isthmus (OSPESCA). This coordinated approach across Central American nations addresses critical concerns regarding overfishing and marine resource depletion, securing both ecological balance and the economic future of Belize’s fishing industry.