Regulations
The Belize Barrier Reef (BBR) is protected by a series of regulations aimed at preserving its delicate marine ecosystem.
Belize is proud to be a global leader in sustainable marine resource management. Our commitment to responsible fisheries is essential to preserving the health of the Belize Barrier Reef and supporting the communities that depend on it. Through a combination of traditional knowledge, science-based regulations, and innovative partnerships, we are ensuring that our marine resources are protected for future generations.
A collaborative initiative with Oceana and the Wildlife Conservation Society, Fish Right, Eat Right connects consumers with responsibly sourced seafood. The program certifies fishers and restaurants that follow sustainable fishing practices, helping to reduce pressure on overfished species and support local livelihoods.
Belize enforces a comprehensive set of fishing regulations designed to promote sustainable harvesting and protect marine biodiversity. Key regulations include:
| Specie | Weight Limit | Length | Closed Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOBSTER | 4oz Tail Weight | 3 Inches Carapace Length | Mar 1 - June 30 |
| CONCH | 3oz - Market Clean 2.75oz - Fillet | 7 Inches Shell Length | Jul 1 - Sept 30 |
| NASSAU GROUPER | Less than 20 inches More than 30 inches | Dec 1 - Mar 31 | |
| WHELK | 2.4 inches or 62mm | Oct 1 - Jan 1 |
Commercial Fishing of Lobster, Conch, and Finfish require the following:
Only fishers with a valid license are allowed to fish for sea cucumber during the prescribed period. Fishers shall harvest or possess sea cucumber with a total length of 10 inches or greater or 7 ounces minimum weight.
A person who intends to take sharks, or buy, sell, possess, or export shark meat or shark fins other than those prohibited under the Fisheries Regulations, shall apply to the Fisheries Administrator for a shark fishing license or a shark meat and fins export permit.
For generations, coastal communities in Belize have relied on small-scale, artisanal fishing. These traditional fisheries are vital to the national culture and economy. Traditional fishers primarily harvest Queen Conch, Caribbean Spiny Lobster, and various Finfish species such as Snapper and Grouper. These species are essential for both local consumption and export, playing a significant role in Belize’s blue economy.
These fisheries rely on low-impact, selective gear, including:
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Hand lines and drop lines for finfish
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Free diving and hook sticks for lobster and conch
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Wooden traps or "pots" for lobster
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Cast nets and, in some cases, regulated gill nets for the use in internal and fresh waterbodies only.
The following are prohibited:
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Using a gill net that is greater than 328-feet (100m) in length
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Joining gill nets which exceed a total of 328-feet (100m) in length
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Possessing a gill net which alone or joined with another gill net exceeds a total of 656-feet (200m)
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Setting a gill net within a radius of one mile of a bridge and/or half mile of a tributary's outfall
The following are prohibited:
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Using a gill net that is greater than 328-feet (100m) in length
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Joining gill nets which exceed a total of 328-feet (100m) in length
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Possessing a gill net which alone or joined with another gill net exceeds a total of 984-feet (300m)
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Using a gill net to take fish from the shorelines of Monkey River or Placencia (five miles from water's edge eastward into the sea)
The following are prohibited:
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Using gill nets
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Using spear guns
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Using SCUBA for fishing activities
Sport fishing is a growing industry in Belize and a popular activity for visitors to the reef. The country is internationally recognized for its catch-and-release policies on prized species like tarpon, bonefish, and permit. These regulations support marine conservation while offering world-class experiences for recreational anglers.
The Coastal Zone Management Authority (Sport Fishing) Regulations grants the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) the authority to oversee a licensing system for sport fishing.
Anyone engaging in sport fishing in Belizean waters must obtain a valid sport fishing license through the Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute.
The Fisheries (Species Designation Protection) Regulations mandates the Fisheries Department to protect key sport fishing species. Under this regulation, the following fish are fully protected and may only be caught on a catch-and-release basis:
- Bonefish (Albula vulpes)
- Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus)
- Permit (Trachinotus falcatus)
