You, too, can be part of coastal zone management in Belize. How can you help?
If you are in the reef area :
Always drop your anchor in a sandy area and use a mooring buoy wherever possible.
Please do not touch or collect any corals.
Do not move coral heads or rubble since doing so disturbs both the coral and the creatures living amongst them.
If you are involved in fisheries activities :
Protect your fisheries resources by observing fishing laws.
Bonefish (Albulba vulpes) : Locally known as macabi should not be bought or sold.
Shrimp (Penaeus duorarum): Observe the closed season which is from April 15th to August 14th.
Conch (Strombus gigas) : Shell length should exceed 7 inches and the market clean weight should exceed 3 ounces. Closed seasons is July 1st to September 30th.
Lobster (Panulirus argus) : Minimum cape length of 3 inches and minimum tail weight of 4 ounces. Closed season from February 15th to June 14th.
Turtle : No person should interfere with nests or take any turtle found on land.
Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): It is illegal to fish, sell, purchase or have in your possesion hawksbill turtles.
Green Turtle (Chelonia midas) and Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta): The closed season is April 1st to October 31st.
8. No one should fish using scuba gear unless under license from the Fisheries Administrator.
If you are a concerned Belizean or visitor :
Become informed on the importance of our coastal and marine resources.
Become part of a conservation organization that is active.
Avoid buying undersized and out of season fisheries products.
Advocate support for the establishment of protected areas.
Avoid littering, take it home with you and dispose of it properly.
Prevent water pollution.
Do not take, buy, sell or possess any type of coral, except black coral which may only be bought, sold or exported with a license from the Fisheries Administrator.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this website. If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or would like further information concerning this website or the Belize Coastal Zone, please contact us at:
