Belize Reviews Strategy to Safeguard Fishing Industry

In a decisive move to address the alarming decline of its marine resources, Belize’s Fisheries Department convened a national workshop on November 21, 2025, to reassess and validate its fisheries enforcement and conservation strategy. The initiative comes in response to mounting concerns over the country’s enforcement capabilities and the sharp decline of key fish species, particularly the Nassau grouper, which has seen an 85% reduction in spawning populations at Northeast Point on Glover’s Reef Atoll over the past two decades. Experts attribute this decline to overfishing and inadequate regulatory measures, highlighting the urgent need for robust monitoring and protection frameworks. The workshop gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials such as Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation Andre Perez, fisheries experts, business leaders, and conservation organizations. Fisheries Administrator Rigoberto Quintana emphasized the necessity of updating outdated management plans for lobster, conch, and fin fish, which have remained unchanged since 2014. Valdemar Andrade, Executive Director of the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association, underscored the economic significance of Turneffe’s fisheries, which contribute substantially to the national economy. He stressed the importance of leveraging updated data to enhance engagement with fishers and improve future management strategies. This collaborative effort marks a critical step toward safeguarding Belize’s marine biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of its fishing industry.