By Belize Live News Staff: The Belize Fisheries Department has announced the annual closure of the sea cucumber fishery, effective February 1 to July 31, 2025, in accordance with Statutory Instruments No. 67 of 2009 and No. 107 of 2022.
The regulations state that fishing, harvesting, buying, selling, possessing, exporting, or attempting to export any sea cucumber species during this period is strictly prohibited. Violators will face prosecution under the Fisheries Regulations.
“This closure is vital for the sustainable management and conservation of the sea cucumber population, a key resource in Belize’s marine ecosystem,” the department said in a statement.
The Belize Fisheries Department is calling on fishers and the public to comply with the regulation to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery. “We appreciate the cooperation of the fishing community and the public in protecting this important resource,” the department added.
Anyone with information on illegal fishing activities is encouraged to contact the Fisheries Department at 224-4552 or via email at fisheries_department@fisheries.gov.bz.
