Fisheries Department - Belize

22/04/2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Request for Expression of Interest – Individual Consultant:

The Ministry of Finance, with financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), invites qualified individuals to submit an Expression of Interest for the position of (Project Manager) under the Promoting Sustainable Growth in the Blue Economy Program.

Project: Promoting Sustainable Growth in the Blue Economy Program.
Duty Station: Ministry of Finance, Belmopan
Duration: Twenty-four (24) months
Submission Deadline: April 30, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. (Belize Local Time)

The Project Manager will support the effective planning, coordination, ex*****on, and monitoring of project activities in accordance with the Inter-American Development Bank’s guidelines and the Government of Belize’s policies, while contributing to the sustainable development of Belize’s blue economy.

📩 Applications must be submitted in English using the required template by:

• Email: [email protected]
• Hard Copy: Two printed copies to the Central Executing Unit, Ministry of Finance, Belmopan
Reference:

Project Manager – Promoting Sustainable Growth in
the Blue Economy Program – [Applicant’s Name]

Further details, including the full Terms of Reference is attached below.

15/04/2026

Registration is now open!

The Executive Secretariat of the Central American Agricultural Council (SECAC) invites you to participate in the Training Workshop: Transforming Fish Skin into Sustainable Leather and Its Use for the Production of Handicrafts, aimed at rural women, youth, and local stakeholders from Belize’s marine-coastal territories.

📍 Location: Sarteneja, Corozal, Belize
📅 Start date: April 22, 2026

✅ Requirement: If possible, participants should bring one fish skin with scales obtained from a non-protected species and in full compliance with applicable fisheries regulations.

During this workshop, participants will learn practical techniques in:

✅ fish skin transformation
✅ handicraft production
✅ entrepreneurship
✅ environmental sustainability

This initiative is being carried out within the framework of the SICA AZUL project and seeks to strengthen capacities to promote learning, innovation, and local development.

🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/V8Ls3Uu4g3Zpv3m49
Be part of this experience of learning, innovation, and local development!

08/04/2026

01/04/2026

31/03/2026

“Egg-splore & Protect – Easter Challenge 2026” 🐣🌊

The Belize Fisheries Department warmly invites children to participate in our Easter Egg Craft Challenge, a fun activity that celebrates Easter while raising awareness about Belize’s marine protected species. 🩵

DROP YOUR EGG DESIGN FROM TODAY DEADLINE ENDS FRIDAY 24, 2026.

📌 Important Note:
Please refer to the attached official flyer, which includes the list of protected marine species that can be used as inspiration for your design.

🎨 Challenge Description:
Create a unique Easter egg design inspired by any marine protected species found in Belize.

Participants can use their creativity by:
• Drawing ✏️
• Painting 🎨
• Crafting with materials 🖌️

Let your imagination shine!

📲 How to Enter:
• Follow & like the Belize Fisheries Department page
• Upload a photo of your Easter egg design in the comments section of this post
• Add a short description of your artwork
• Invite family and friends to like your photo 👍

⏰ Deadline: April 24 at 5:00 p.m

🏆 Categories:
• Creativity & Originality 🎨
• Engagement (highest number of likes on your entry) 👍

🎁 Prize:
The winners will receive a special Easter Basket 🧺 filled with fun treats!

🌎 Why This Activity Matters:
Belize is home to an incredible variety of marine life, including species protected under national laws. This challenge will help you learn about these species while encouraging your creativity and a deeper appreciation for conservation of Belize's marine life.

🐣 ✨ We encourage all participants to join, get creative, and celebrate while protecting Belize’s beautiful marine life! 💛

30/03/2026

The Belize Fisheries Department reports that on March 26th, 2026, an intelligence verification operation was carried out following reports of gillnets floating and entangled on a patch reef near the Lighthouse at Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve (GRMR).
The GRMR staff were deployed and worked in collaboration with local fishermen to locate the site. Upon investigation, three submerged gillnets were discovered heavily entangled within coral patches. The nets contained conch shells, live lobsters, three dead sharks, and two live sharks.

Immediate action was taken to mitigate further damage. The Reserve Manager and assisting fishermen entered the water to carefully disentangle the nets and successfully release the two live sharks. Meanwhile, Fisheries Rangers, in collaboration with the Belize Coast Guard, worked to haul the nets aboard the vessel.

Following the recovery of the initial three nets, the assisting fishermen turned over two additional gillnets that had been found drifting and secured in their possession at the time of the report. In total, five (5) illegal, abandoned gillnets were transported to the Middle Caye station for proper disposal.
This incident highlights the ongoing threat that illegal gillnets pose to Belize’s marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs and protected species.

The Belize Fisheries Department reminds the public that under Statutory Instrument No. 158 of 2020, the possession and use of gillnets are strictly prohibited within all marine waters of Belize. Any individuals found in violation of these regulations will be charged accordingly. The Department continues to urge the public to report any illegal fishing activities. We remain steadfast in our mission to protect and sustainably manage Belize's marine resources.

26/03/2026

Thursday 26 March, 2026
Belize City

Today, the Belize Fisheries Department had the pleasure of visiting the children at Mother of Mercy Montessori. Through an engaging presentation, we shared the importance of protecting our marine protected species and how each of us plays a role in caring for our ocean, especially by keeping it clean.

A highlight of the session was learning about the amazing Greater Caribbean manatee, one of Belize’s most gentle and unique marine animals that is fully protected. The children took part in interactive activities where they discovered interesting facts about manatees, their habitats, and why they need our protection. Most importantly, they were encouraged to see themselves as reef heroes, young guardians of the sea who can make a difference by protecting marine life and keeping our environment clean. 🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻🐟🪸

The session also included a fun song 🎶 that helped the children learn more about manatees in an engaging and memorable way. It was truly a meaningful experience filled with learning and laughter, as we continue to build a generation that cares for and protects our beautiful marine ecosystems. 🩵

19/03/2026

Yesterday, March 18th, the Belize Fisheries Department had the opportunity to visit San Victor R.C. School in San Victor, Corozal in celebration of Child Stimulation Month. During this visit, we engaged preschoolers in a fun and educational experience focused on the importance of sustainability and the work of the Department.

The children enjoyed an interactive video titled “Save the Ocean,” followed by a creative activity where they painted our famous mascot, Langostin the lobster, while learning about the importance of this marine species. They also had the exciting opportunity to meet Langostin in person! Each child was given their very own “Reef Hero” badge.

Introducing environmental education at the preschool level is essential, as it helps young children develop an early appreciation for marine life and understand the importance of protecting our oceans from a young age. The Department is grateful for opportunities like these to connect with young minds and inspire future generations to protect and value our marine environment. Thank you San Victor R.C. School for having us over. 🐟🐠🪸🧒🏼👧🏻

12/03/2026

Yesterday, March 11, 2026, the Belize Fisheries Department was pleased to make its second visit to Stella Maris School, continuing its commitment to sharing knowledge about Belize’s marine resources with students.

During the visit, the team shared an interactive video titled Save the Ocean, which highlights the importance of protecting our oceans and marine life by caring for the environment.

The students also enjoyed a fun dancing session and had the opportunity to showcase their creativity by coloring the Department’s famous mascot, Langostin, bringing out their fun and imaginative side. The activity ended with exciting group photos alongside the Department’s vessel. The Department is grateful to our enforcement officers, who assisted with the vessel and helped make the experience even more special for the students.

Education outreach remains an important part of the Department’s work, helping to raise awareness and inspire young minds to appreciate and protect Belize’s marine environment. Activities like these help ensure that environmental education reaches and inspires every young mind in our community.

The Belize Fisheries Department extends sincere thanks to the principal and teachers of Stella Maris School for the invitation and warm welcome. We also recognize the dedicated service group working alongside the teachers, who are doing an amazing job providing support and assistance.

It was truly a joyful and meaningful second visit, and the Department looks forward to continuing to engage with the students in the future.

08/03/2026

International Women's Day 2026 Theme: Give to Gain

The Belize Fisheries Department proudly celebrates the women who contribute to the sustainable management and protection of Belize’s marine resources.

This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” reminds us that when women support, mentor, and uplift one another, stronger communities and greater opportunities are created for everyone.

Across Belize, fisherwomen, the dedicated women of the Belize Fisheries Department, and the many women from partner organizations and coastal communities who collaborate in fisheries and marine conservation continue to make meaningful contributions to the sector. By sharing knowledge, building each other up, and working together, women strengthen the resilience of our communities and the sustainability of our marine resources.

When women give their support and empower one another, we all gain stronger leadership, healthier oceans, and a brighter future for Belize.

Happy International Women's Day! 💜

03/03/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Belize Fisheries Department Urges Heightened Caution Following Multiple Manatee Strandings in February

Belize City, Belize - March 03, 2026

The Belize Fisheries Department is issuing a serious and urgent reminder to all vessel operators following multiple manatee strandings recorded across the country during the month of February 2026. The Belize Marine Mammal Stranding Network documented eight manatee strandings in Corozal, Belize City, Placencia, Gales Point, and Hopkins. Of particular concern are three confirmed cases in which injuries consistent with vessel strikes were identified.

On February 11, an adult female manatee was recorded in Belize City with injuries consistent with vessel impact as the cause of death, and on February 14, an adult female manatee was found in Hopkins with injuries also consistent with vessel impact, confirmed as the cause of death. On February 16, an adult male manatee was documented in Belize City, again with a watercraft determined to be responsible. These cases represent preventable losses and reflect continued non-compliance with safe boating practices in critical manatee habitats. Additional strandings during February also included a male calf at Consejo Shores, with stranding cause undetermined, and a male calf in Placencia on February 13, attributed to perinatal causes. On February 14, authorities also responded to strandings in Gales Point involving an adult female manatee and in Corozal involving an adult male manatee. On February 18, a male calf was documented in Gales Point. The causes of stranding for these three cases remain undetermined. While not all strandings have been linked directly to vessel strikes, the concentration of incidents within a short time frame, combined with confirmed watercraft-related mortalities, is cause for significant concern.

The Greater Caribbean Manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) is a fully protected species under the laws of Belize. It is illegal to harm, harass, disturb, or kill manatees or any other marine mammal. Violations carry substantial penalties, including fines and potential prosecution. Vessel strikes remain one of the leading human-induced threats to manatees nationally, particularly in shallow coastal waters, river mouths, lagoons, and seagrass beds where these marine mammals feed, rest, and nurse their young.

The Belize Fisheries Department emphasizes that all mariners have a legal and ethical obligation to operate vessels responsibly. Reduced speeds in manatee zones, strict adherence to no-wake regulations, and maintaining a constant lookout are necessary safeguards designed to prevent injury and death to protected marine wildlife. Areas including Corozal, Belize City, Gales Point, Hopkins, Placencia, and adjacent lagoon systems are recognized manatee habitats and require heightened caution at all times.

The Fisheries Department continues to collaborate with national partners, including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD), Wildtracks, and Ecomar to investigate strandings, conduct necropsies, and strengthen monitoring and enforcement efforts. The public is urged to report any injured, distressed, or deceased marine mammals immediately to the Belize Fisheries Department or its Marine Mammal Stranding Network partners to support rapid response and data collection. The Belize Fisheries Department will maintain active monitoring and enforcement, and calls upon all vessel operators to exercise extreme caution to ensure the protection of Belize’s marine mammals.

-ENDS-

For more information, contact:

[email protected]

Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation
Jamal A. Galves - manateeman
Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development - Belize
Wildtracks
Ecomar