By Belize Live News Staff: The Fisheries Administrator of Belize announced on Wednesday that the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) fishing season will officially open on October 1, 2024, and remain open until June 30, 2025, subject to early closure if the conch production quota is reached.
Under the Fisheries Resources Act, Chapter 210 of the Laws of Belize, the following regulations will apply to the fishing and trade of Queen Conch:
Fishing, sale, or possession of conch is prohibited between July 1 and September 30.
Only conch with an overall shell length of at least 7 inches (17.8 cm) or a minimum weight of 7½ ounces (213 grams) unprocessed,
3 ounces (85 grams) partially processed (market clean), or 2¾ ounces (78 grams) fully processed (fillet) may be harvested.
No fillet or diced conch may be sold or possessed without a special permit from the Fisheries Administrator.
Conch exports are limited to quotas outlined by the Fisheries Resources Act.
The Fisheries Department is urging the public to report any illegal conch fishing activities by calling 224-4552 or emailing fisheries_department@fisheries.gov.bz.
Conservationists have been working to protect the Queen Conch population, which has seen declines in recent years due to overfishing and illegal harvesting. Belize has implemented measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of the species.
