Belize's Marine Species Exports

Belize exports a variety of marine species, including live tropical fish for aquariums, spiny lobsters, queen conch, and finfish. The country's coastal area, which includes the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, provides a habitat for numerous species, such as marine turtles, manatees, and the American marine crocodile. The Belize Barrier Reef is also home to diverse plants and animals, including hard and soft coral species and hundreds of invertebrate species. The marine exports from Belize contribute significantly to the local economy and support the tourism sector by supplying the restaurant and hotel industry.

Live, ornamental fish

The coastal area of Belize is home to the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, and its waters host a diverse array of marine life. The country has been exporting live, ornamental fish since at least 1973, with the industry contributing to the US market for almost 50 years.

The trade is lucrative, with millions of dollars changing hands globally each year. In Belize, there are several companies involved in exporting Caribbean reef fish, three of which are still in operation today: Colson Bay Investments, Marine Life Belize, and Tropical Fish Imports/Exports. These companies collect fish and invertebrates from designated areas along the barrier reef and atolls, using specialised nets that do not harm the marine life. The collection process is regulated and monitored by the Belize Fisheries Department, which conducts periodic inspections to ensure sustainability and minimise mortality rates.

The species collected include a wide range of reef fish, but exclude endangered species, sports fishing species, black spiny sea orchid, parrot fish, sea cucumbers, and tangs. Each license holder is limited to 90,000 specimens (Total Allowable Catch) per year, though due to small-scale operations, this limit is typically not reached. The collected fish are then shipped live to the USA and other parts of the world to supply aquarium merchants.

The marine aquarium industry is estimated to be worth US$200 to US$330 million annually, with fish valued at $500 per kilogram. In a given year, Belize's revenue from this trade can exceed $100,000, with additional economic benefits arising from employment created by the license holders.

Caribbean reef fish

Belize's coastal area is home to the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, which is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. This reef system is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is comprised of seven protected areas, including the Blue Hole Natural Monument and the Half Moon Caye Natural Monument. The Belize Barrier Reef is also home to a diverse array of marine species, including Caribbean reef fish.

Some of the Caribbean reef fish species exported from Belize include:

• Butterflyfish (e.g., Foureye, Spotfin, Banded, and Longsnout)
• Parrotfish (e.g., Stoplight Parrotfish)
• Angelfishes
• Surgeonfishes
• Groupers and Seabasses
• Wrasses
• Red Fishes and Cardinalfishes
• Feather Duster Worms
• Tunicates

The marine aquarium industry is valued at approximately US$200 to US$330 million annually, with Belize contributing to this market since 1973. The revenue generated in Belize from the export of Caribbean reef fish was just over $100,000 in 2024, according to the Belize Fisheries Department.

Spiny lobster

The Caribbean spiny lobster (*Panulirus argus*) is the primary species of lobster found in Belizean waters and is the country's most lucrative artisanal fishery. The small-scale and artisanal lobster fisheries in Belize began in the 1950s, with the spiny lobster being harvested mainly for export to the United States. Today, spiny lobster and queen conch are the most productive capture fisheries in Belize, with more than 90% of the catch exported to the US.

The spiny lobster is a decapod, meaning it has ten legs. Its spiny exoskeleton provides some protection from predators, but it remains the favourite prey of many species, including nurse sharks and Nassau groupers. The spiny lobster is a commercial species, and a fisherman's license is required to trap and catch them. Fishermen must follow the Belize Fisheries Department's legal requirements for minimum weight and size.

The spiny lobster has a challenging start to life. Of the 10,000 eggs that a female might release, only about 1% will survive past the first four weeks. They begin life as free-swimming, microscopic phyllosoma larvae, settling in algae, seagrass beds, or among mangrove roots after about a year. After undergoing several moults, they migrate to the coral reefs and live in holes or crevices. Once an adult, the moulting event decreases to once a year, with the new shell accommodating the growing lobster for at least another year.

The spiny lobster fishery is seasonal, remaining open for eight months of the year. From 15 February to 15 June, it is illegal to fish, attempt to fish, possess, buy or sell any lobster or lobster products. This closed season allows lobster populations time to breed.

The four operating fishers' cooperatives in Belize have maintained lobster production between 545 and 831 tonnes over the last five years. In 2001, the lobster fishery earned approximately $12.9 million Belize dollars ($US6.45 million) with 209 tonnes of processed exported product. The success of the spiny lobster fishery can be attributed to the demand and lucrative average price of US$29 per kilogram on international markets.

Queen conch

The Queen Conch, also known by its scientific name Lobatus gigas or Strombus gigas, is a large sea snail native to Belize. It is a delicacy in Belizean cuisine, often eaten in ceviche, and is considered an icon of the country's coastal culture. The Queen Conch is a seasonal catch, with the fishing season running from 1 October to 30 June.

The Queen Conch is a mollusk with a distinctive spiral shell, usually found in warm, shallow waters near the Belize Barrier Reef. They are often buried in the sand during the day and emerge at night to feed on algae and sea grass. To catch them, fishermen use hooked poles from dinghies, or go diving in free-style or with SCUBA gear.

Harvesting the meat of the Queen Conch is a challenge and requires a special technique. A small hole is made in the shell, ruining the vacuum seal, and then the meat is pulled out and cleaned of all brown skin, typically using a fillet knife. The meat of the Queen Conch is sweet and tender and is used in a variety of recipes, including ceviche, fritters, soup, and steak.

Due to their popularity and overharvesting, Queen Conchs have become an endangered species in Florida, USA. Conservation efforts have been implemented, such as assigning quotas to conch-producing countries and implementing closed seasons for harvesting. In Belize, the closed season for Queen Conch fishing is from 1 July to 30 September. These measures aim to ensure the availability and longevity of this iconic species.

Finfish

Belize's government is working with fisheries managers, scientists, and fishers to develop a sustainable management plan for 47 of its most important finfish species. This plan will help expand livelihood opportunities for those in the fishing industry and alleviate pressure on heavily exploited nearshore resources.

The country's marine fisheries and seafood processing sectors support over 2,500 fishers directly and over 15,000 Belizeans indirectly. Finfish are supplied to the restaurant and hotel industry, as well as being exported in large volumes.

The marine aquarium trade is a lucrative business, with millions of dollars exchanged globally. Several companies in Belize have been involved in exporting Caribbean reef fish for this trade since 1973, and it is regulated and monitored by the Belize Fisheries Department. The trade involves exporting diverse species of fish from the Caribbean Sea, shipping them live to the USA, and then distributing them worldwide to supply aquarium merchants.

The collection of these fish is carefully managed to ensure sustainability. Collectors use specialised nets that do not harm the fish, and the specimens are collected from a vast area to maintain viable populations. The Belize Fisheries Department conducts periodic inspections during collection, at holding facilities, and during shipping to ensure environmental protection.

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