Belize's Reef: Laws And Enforcement

Belize's Barrier Reef is a stunning natural wonder, attracting tourists from all over the world to scuba dive and snorkel among its diverse flora and fauna. However, the reef is under threat from a range of human activities, including tourism, shipping, fishing, and oil exploration. While the Belizean government has implemented some protective measures, such as a ban on bottom trawling and offshore oil drilling within 1km of the reef, enforcement of these laws remains a challenge. Inadequate law enforcement, poor waste management, and the destruction of mangroves have damaged the reef, which has been on the World Heritage Danger List since 2009. With the reef generating around 15% of Belize's GDP and providing a livelihood for many Belizeans, effective enforcement of conservation laws is crucial for the country's economy and ecosystem.

Shark fishing

Belize has implemented some regulations to address shark fishing. A special license from the Fisheries Administrator is required for shark fishing, and all sharks must be landed with their fins attached. Shark finning, or removing the fins while at sea and discarding the rest of the shark, is prohibited. There is also a closed season for shark fishing, which runs from May 1st to October 31st. During this period, it is illegal to take, buy, sell, possess, or export shark meat or fins. Additionally, Belize is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which regulates the export of certain endangered species, including some shark species.

Conservation Efforts

Conservationists have been pushing for more stringent protections for sharks in Belize. They argue that sharks have a higher value alive, attracting divers and snorkelers, and that shark populations have declined drastically due to fishing methods such as monofilament gillnets and longlines. In collaboration with the Belize Game Fishing Association, they have been advocating for a ban on these unsustainable fishing practices. As a result of their efforts, Belize has made strides towards conservation by banning gillnets in 2020 and establishing new shark sanctuaries.

Impact on Fishing Communities

The Shark Fishers Association has opposed the ban on gillnets, expressing concerns about the impact on their livelihoods. They argue that a ban would threaten their ability to make a living. Additionally, most of the sharks caught in Belize are exported, and the pandemic has already disrupted the shark market, causing a decline in demand and price.

Enforcement Challenges

While Belize has implemented regulations and established protected areas, enforcement remains a challenge. Local conservationists and NGOs have been working to address this issue, and co-managers, such as the Belize Audubon Society and the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association, are developing enforcement plans. However, there is a recognition that education and providing alternative sources of income for fisherfolk may be a more effective approach than strict enforcement.

Oil exploration

Belize has taken several steps to enforce laws against oil exploration in its waters. In 2015, the Belize government withdrew its appeal against a ruling that oil concessions were null and void, demonstrating its commitment to protecting marine resources and Belizean livelihoods. In 2017, the government announced its commitment to legislate an indefinite moratorium on offshore oil activity in its territorial sea, including its Exclusive Economic Zone. In December 2017, Belize made history by passing the Petroleum Operations (Offshore Zone Moratorium) Bill, 2017, which placed an indefinite moratorium on offshore oil in its marine territory. This decision was welcomed by Oceana, WWF, and other members of the Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage as a landmark step forward to protect the Belize Barrier Reef and strengthen marine conservation worldwide.

The Petroleum Operations (Offshore Zone Moratorium) Bill, 2017, was passed in response to the voices of 22,090 Belizean voters who called for legislative amendments that would require a referendum should the government contemplate lifting the moratorium on offshore oil exploration. The bill was passed unanimously and safeguards Belize's invaluable marine environments, including the second-longest barrier reef in the world, which runs along the country's coast.

Tourism

In addition to the reef, Belize offers over 450 offshore cayes (islands), excellent fishing spots, safe waters for windsurfing, swimming, cave rafting, boating, paddleboarding, scuba diving, and snorkelling. The country also boasts numerous rivers for rafting and kayaking, various jungle and wildlife reserves for hiking and bird watching, and many Maya ruins.

The growth in tourism has also created opportunities for rural and community-based tourism projects, particularly for marginalized minorities such as the Maya and Garifuna people. These projects, supported by UNESCO, allow these communities to diversify their income, preserve their culture, and involve foreigners in activities such as crop harvesting and craftsmanship.

However, the increase in tourism has also brought challenges. The success of conservation efforts and the health of the reef are threatened by tourist-generated pollution, oil extraction, and climate change. The rise in visitor numbers has put pressure on sanitation services, with human waste sometimes spilling into the sea. There is also concern about the sell-off of cayes within marine protected areas, the destruction of mangroves, overfishing, and agricultural runoffs.

Despite these challenges, Belize remains a popular tourist destination, with its natural beauty, diverse attractions, and cultural appeal continuing to draw visitors from around the world.

Conservation efforts

The Belize Barrier Reef is a 300-kilometre-long section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the second-largest coral reef system in the world. It is home to a large diversity of plants and animals, including 70 hard coral species, 36 soft coral species, and hundreds of invertebrate species. The reef is also vital to Belize's fishing and tourism industries, generating around 15% of the country's GDP.

In recognition of its importance, the Belize Barrier Reef has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is protected by the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which includes seven marine reserves, 450 cayes, and three atolls. Despite these protective measures, the reef remains under threat from various factors, including tourism, shipping, fishing, and oceanic pollution. Conservation efforts have been made to mitigate these threats and preserve the fragile ecosystem.

One significant conservation effort is the push for a ban on unsustainable fishing methods such as longlining and gill nets. Gill nets, in particular, have been responsible for trapping and drowning countless numbers of sharks and other fish. Conservationists have advocated for a ban on gill nets, arguing that the loss of the ecosystem's vital apex predators will have a tragic impact on the Belizean reefs. While a decision on the ban is still pending, other measures have been implemented to protect the reef.

Belize has also taken steps to address the threat of oil exploration and drilling, which poses a significant danger to the reef. In 2015, the country banned offshore oil drilling within 1 km of the Barrier Reef, and in 2017, the government passed the Petroleum Operations (Offshore Zone Moratorium) Bill, placing an indefinite moratorium on offshore oil drilling in its marine territory. This move was applauded by environmental organizations and the local community, recognizing the potential irreversible damage to the marine ecosystem and the country's economy.

Another conservation effort focuses on the restoration of coral reefs. The Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative (HRI) has been monitoring the Mesoamerican Reef, which includes the Belize Barrier Reef, and has reported steady improvements in its overall health. A grassroots movement uniting fishermen, tour guides, scientists, and environmentalists has resulted in the successful restoration of coral reefs in Laughing Bird Caye, with more than 90,000 corals grown in sea nurseries and planted in shallow reefs.

While these conservation efforts have yielded positive results, there are still challenges to be addressed. Inadequate law enforcement, hotel resort development, and the destruction of mangroves have been identified as ongoing issues. Environmental regulations need to be implemented and enforced more strictly, and a change in the current development pattern is necessary to protect the Belize reef system effectively.

Fishing regulations

Fishing is a popular activity in Belize, with the country being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. The Belize Fisheries Department has implemented fishing regulations to protect the country's marine ecosystem and address the decline in fish stocks. Here are the key fishing regulations in Belize:

• Licensing Requirement: All fishermen in Belize must have a valid fishing license, which can be obtained from the Coastal Zone Management Authority. Even if an individual is not actively fishing but is in a boat with someone who is, they still need a license.
• Citizenship Restriction: Only Belizean citizens or permanent residents are eligible to obtain a fisheries permit.
• Seasonal Restrictions: The Belize Fisheries Department has implemented seasonal restrictions for certain fish species. For example, the conch season is closed from July 1st to September 30th, and the lobster season is closed from February 15th to June 14th.
• Size Limits: There are size limits for several commercial fish species. For example, the conch shell length must be greater than 7 inches, and the market clean weight must be over 2.5 ounces. Similarly, the lobster cape length must be greater than 3 inches, and the tail weight must be a minimum of 2.75 ounces.
• Complete Ban: There is a complete ban on fishing for certain species, including coral, parrotfish, blue tang, surgeon fish, permit, tarpon, bone fish, marine turtles, whale sharks, and all marine mammals.
• Closed Seasons: In addition to the seasonal restrictions for conch and lobster, there are closed seasons for other species. For example, the Nassau grouper cannot be fished between December 1st and March 31st, and wild shrimp trawling is prohibited from July 14th to March 14th.
• Catch and Size Limits: In addition to conch and lobster, there are specific catch and size limits for other species. For example, the Hickatee turtle cannot be less than 38 centimeters or greater than 43 centimeters in length, and no more than five turtles can be transported in a vehicle.
• Special Laws and Permits: Sea cucumber fishing requires a special permit. Additionally, fish fillets must have a 2-inch by 1-inch skin patch left on them.
• Restrictions in Marine Protected Areas: In designated Marine Protected Areas, there are restrictions on fishing gear. The use of nets, longlines, and traps is prohibited in these areas.
• No Scuba Fishing: Fishing while using artificial breathing devices such as scuba gear or hookah is not allowed in Belize.
• Conservation Efforts: Conservation groups and local fishing lodges are advocating for the protection of the local fishery. Many resorts and boat operators have adopted catch-and-release policies to help conserve fish species.

Frequently asked questions