By Belize Live News Staff: The Fisheries Department is engaging with fishing communities across the country as it races to meet the ambitious Blue Bond commitments by early September. A key target is to expand the percentage of marine protected areas, and the department is committed to hearing the concerns and feedback of those whose livelihoods depend on the sea.
On Thursday, the Northern Fishermen Cooperative in Belize City hosted a vital consultation where Fisheries Administrator Rigoberto Quintana outlined the urgent need to meet the conservation goals. “We have to achieve a total of 25% of ocean protection by November this year,” Quintana explained, emphasizing the urgency of the task. “Currently, we are at 20.3%.”
The nationwide consultations are critical to ensure that the voices of Belize’s estimated 3,500 fishers are heard and considered in the process. Quintana highlighted the importance of direct engagement with these communities, saying, “That’s why we’re going to the fishing communities up north, to Dangriga, south to Punta Gorda.”
When questioned about the extent to which the fishers’ input would influence the final decision, Quintana assured that the feedback is being taken seriously. “We’re trying to get feedback from these fishers and see if these proposed areas would work for them,” he said.
The proposed areas are being classified as “medium biodiversity protection,” which means they will be designated for general use and should not significantly impact fishing activities.
Based on the meetings held so far, Quintana noted that the fishers seem to be supportive of the expansion plans.
The Fisheries Department’s efforts to balance conservation goals with the needs of the fishing community demonstrate a commitment to sustainable marine resource management. As Belize strives to meet its Blue Bond obligations, the voices of its fishers remain a crucial part of the conversation.
