Spearfishing In Belize: What You Need To Know

Belize is a popular destination for spearfishing, with its clear, warm waters offering visibility that can extend up to 100 feet, and an array of marine life to discover. With over 450 offshore islands, there are plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure. The country's commitment to preserving its marine biodiversity while allowing adventurers to experience the thrill of the hunt is reflected in its carefully crafted regulations. Spearfishing is a balanced activity in Belize, with some areas designated as no-take zones to protect the reproduction and growth of fish populations. The sport is governed by regulations such as the prohibition of scuba gear and the requirement of a fishing license, which contribute to sustainability and safety. The rich marine biodiversity, including lionfish, grouper, snapper, and barracuda, provides an exciting challenge for hunters and an opportunity to support the ecosystem by targeting invasive species.

Spearfishing laws in Belize

Spearfishing is a popular sport in Belize, and there are several regulations in place to ensure the safety of fishermen and the conservation of the marine ecosystem. Here is an overview of the spearfishing laws in Belize:

Regulations and Restrictions:

Spearfishing is permitted in Belize, but it is strictly regulated to balance the sport with marine conservation. Spearfishing is prohibited in certain areas, specifically within marine reserves, and allowed under specific conditions in others. The use of scuba gear or any type of fishing equipment while spearfishing within marine reserves is illegal and punishable by hefty fines and prison terms. Spearfishing with tanks or scuba equipment is not allowed, and freediving with snorkel equipment is the only legal way to spearfish.

Fishing License Requirement:

All spearfishers in Belize, regardless of nationality, must obtain a fishing license. This requirement ensures that participants are aware of local laws and contribute financially to conservation efforts. A daily license costs BZ$20, a weekly permit is BZ$50, and an annual license for locals and residents over 65 is free, while visitors must pay BZ$100.

Protected Areas and No-Take Zones:

Belize is home to the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Within this system, certain zones are designated as no-take areas where spearfishing is strictly prohibited. These protected areas are crucial for the reproduction and growth of fish populations, maintaining the health of the reef ecosystem. Respecting these boundaries is a legal and moral obligation.

Species Restrictions:

Only certain species can be targeted while spearfishing in Belize. These include snapper, grouper, barracuda, jackfish, tuna, and mahi-mahi. There are restrictions on game fish, such as tarpon, bones, and permit, as well as turtles and Nassau grouper, which has a specific season. It is also illegal to shoot fish in a national park.

Size and Quantity Limits:

To maintain a sustainable fishery, regulations specify that all fish must be greater than fifteen inches in length, and fishermen are limited to taking two fish per day.

Additional Safety Measures:

All divers must have a dive flag while spearfishing, and it is illegal to spearfish within 200 feet of a swimming beach.

Conservation and Responsible Practices:

Spearfishing in Belize goes hand-in-hand with conservation. By targeting invasive species like lionfish, spearfishers can help control their population and protect the reef's health. Additionally, adhering to regulations, respecting protected areas, and practicing selective hunting are essential for responsible spearfishing.

Best locations for spearfishing in Belize

Belize is home to crystal clear waters and over 450 offshore islands, known as "cayes". With calm, shallow waters, there is a wide variety of impressive fish species underneath, including Snappers, Hogfish, Groupers, and Barracuda.

Ambergris Caye

Located in the north, Ambergris Caye offers the opportunity to explore offshore reefs in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. Skip the beaches of San Pedro and head out to tackle Cobia, Grouper, Jack, and Snapper.

San Pedro

San Pedro is a great base for spearfishing charters. From here, you can explore the northern peninsulas or the southern barrier reef. You can expect to find Snappers, Jacks, Groupers, Cobia, and more.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is home to The Spearfishing Shack, which offers spearfishing tours and teaches visitors about marine life and the dangers of overfishing. They also offer snorkelling tours to the famous Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Dangriga, Hopkins, and Placencia

The waters near Dangriga, Hopkins, and Placencia are teeming with tasty catches, including Mackerel. You can also find underground metropolises overflowing with exciting fish species.

Glover's Reef Atoll

For those seeking an isolated location, Glover's Reef Atoll offers reasonable prices and the chance to explore less overfished areas. They provide kayaks, and the snorkeling from shore is excellent, with reefs very close by.

Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort

This resort offers a Lionfish Spear Fishing Adventure, where divers can learn about the invasive Lionfish species and its threat to the Caribbean. The Divemaster will teach guests how to spear and bag Lionfish, and all Lionfish caught will be recorded to track population control.

With so many options available, you're sure to have a memorable spearfishing experience in Belize!

Types of fish found in Belize

Belize is home to a diverse range of fish species, thanks to its location on the Caribbean Sea and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Here is a list of some of the most notable fish species found in the waters of Belize:

Bonefish

Commonly known as "grey ghosts", bonefish are one of the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of reaching speeds of around 40 miles per hour. They are typically silver on the sides with dark green or olive colouring on their backs and can weigh up to 14 pounds, growing up to 31 inches in length. Bonefish inhabit shallow waters, sometimes as shallow as one foot, where they feed on shellfish, worms, and fish eggs during high tide.

Atlantic Tarpon

Also called "silver kings", Atlantic tarpon are found in tropical and subtropical waters and have been spotted as far north as Nova Scotia. They are a favourite among sport anglers due to their agility and potential for large sizes, growing up to eight feet in length and weighing up to 350 pounds. Despite their long history with humans, they are not commonly eaten due to their strong-smelling flesh and abundance of bones.

Permit Fish

Permit fish, unrelated to fishing permits, are characterised by their thin, compressed bodies, giving them a flat appearance when viewed head-on. They can grow up to 48 inches in length and weigh up to 79 pounds. Permit fish inhabit shallow waters for feeding but migrate offshore for breeding. An area in the ocean near Belize, aptly named Permit Alley, is known for its abundant population of these fish.

Snook

Snook, also known as sergeant fish or robalo, have two common species: the common snook and the fat snook. The common variety can reach lengths of up to 4.6 feet, although they typically measure around 1.5 feet, and can weigh up to 50 pounds. In contrast, the fat snook is significantly smaller, with a maximum recorded length of 28 inches and a weight not exceeding 11 pounds. Snook are highly sensitive to their environment, and changes in temperature and salinity can trigger their spawning process. As a result, they are vulnerable to the extreme weather events caused by climate change.

Whitelined Toadfish

The whitelined toadfish is a rare species endemic to the coastal waters of Belize, inhabiting coral reefs at depths ranging from 16 to 100 feet. This black fish is marked by distinctive white lines on its body and exhibits aggressive feeding behaviour, preying on smaller fish. Due to their specific habitat requirements, the preservation of coral reefs is crucial for the survival of this species, and they are currently listed as threatened with extinction risk.

Social Wrasse

The social wrasse, scientifically known as Halichoeres socialist, is a small fish species unique to Belize that swims in large schools through the coral reefs off the country's coast. They are greyish-green in colour and may have blue or white spots, giving them a somewhat shiny appearance. Social wrasses feed on zooplankton and are endangered due to the limited extent of their habitat and the broader threat to coral reefs globally.

Dwarf Spiny Bead Blenny

This blenny species is found only in the coral reefs off the north and central coasts of Belize, taking refuge in caves and dead coral. They have pale grey bodies and distinctive alien-like heads. Blennies are an order of fish with over 800 species, and this particular species is endangered due to the risk of habitat loss.

Belize's rich marine environment offers a diverse array of fish species, attracting anglers and nature enthusiasts alike. These seven fish represent only a fraction of the aquatic life found in this Central American country's waters.

Fishing licenses in Belize

Belize is a popular destination for fishing, with anglers travelling from across the globe to take advantage of its year-round fishing season. The country boasts the world's second-largest barrier reef and is home to countless islands, making it a prime location for fishing.

Fishing Licenses

The Belizean government introduced fishing licenses in 2009 to regulate and protect popular sport fishing species, such as bonefish, permit, and tarpon, which are mandatory catch-and-release within Belizean borders. Anyone between the ages of 16 and 65 must obtain a fishing license to participate in any fishing activity, including river fishing, shore fishing, or catch-and-release.

How to Get a License

Fishing licenses can be purchased online for a one-day or one-week period. A one-day license costs $20 Belize dollars (BZ), equivalent to $10 US dollars (USD), while a one-week license costs $50 BZ or $25 USD. Anglers wishing to obtain a license for a longer duration, such as a year, must apply in person at the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) Office or an approved distributor of sport fishing licenses. A valid photo ID must be presented at the time of application.

Penalties

Belize takes the protection of its fishing industry seriously, and penalties for fishing without a license can result in a fine of $500 BZ or up to six months in jail.

Spearfishing in Belize

Spearfishing is a popular activity in Belize, with many charter companies offering spearfishing tours. It is important to note that spearfishing with scuba equipment or any type of fishing equipment within Marine Reserves is illegal and can result in significant penalties. However, spearfishing guns are permitted when free diving without tanks.

Belize's crystal clear waters and abundant offshore islands, known as "cayes," offer a unique spearfishing experience. With over 450 cayes to explore, spearfishing in Belize provides an opportunity to discover the underwater magic while also enjoying a delicious catch, such as the invasive Lionfish species.

Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, fishing in Belize offers a range of opportunities, from deep-sea fishing to spearfishing, all while enjoying the country's beautiful tropical coast.

Invasive lionfish in Belize

Belize's marine life is under threat from the invasive lionfish species. Native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean, Red Sea and Indian and Pacific Oceans, lionfish were first sighted in Belize in 2008 and have since become the dominant species in the region.

Lionfish are an invasive species with no natural predators in Belize. They breed at an alarming rate, with one female capable of laying up to 2 million eggs per year, and they reproduce every four years. They also feed on key species, including juvenile fish, and their stomachs can expand up to 30 times their normal size. This means they can consume around 30 juvenile fish in just one minute. As a result, lionfish have the potential to cause disaster to the health of Belize's reefs, threatening the native fish and lobster populations that traditional fishermen rely on.

The Belize Lionfish Project, a collaboration between ECOMAR, the Belize Fisheries Department, and other partners, aims to manage the invasive species by overfishing and eating them. Divers and fishermen are encouraged to catch lionfish to sell to restaurants, where they are a delicacy. The spines of the lionfish are also used to make jewellery.

Spearfishing is a key method used to catch lionfish in Belize. While spearfishing with scuba equipment is illegal, it is permitted when free diving. Special spears designed for lionfish are available, and training is recommended to avoid the venomous spines found in the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins.

By actively hunting and consuming lionfish, divers and fishermen can play a crucial role in preserving Belize's marine ecosystem and supporting the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism and the health of its barrier reefs.

Frequently asked questions