By Belize Live News Staff: The Belize Fisheries Department has announced the official opening of the 2025-2026 sea cucumber fishing season, which begins on August 1, 2025, and will continue until January 31, 2026, or until the national catch quota is reached. Sea cucumber, specifically the Holothuria mexicana species, remains a regulated and highly monitored marine resource in Belize, with quotas designed to ensure sustainability.
To participate in this season, fishers must secure a special sea cucumber fishing license in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 67 of 2009. The license is available to holders of valid commercial fishing licenses and carries an annual fee of BZ$75.00. Applications for the special license will be accepted from July 10 to August 15, 2025. All fishers on any vessel involved in sea cucumber harvesting must possess the special license in addition to their commercial one.
The Fisheries Department encourages all interested individuals to apply during the designated period and reminds stakeholders that compliance is mandatory. For additional information, fishers are asked to contact the department directly at 224-4552 or via email at fisheries_department@fisheries.gov.bz.
