Yesterday marked the official opening of the Queen Conch season here in Belize — October 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026 (unless the quota is reached earlier). For many of us, that means we can finally enjoy a warm bowl of conch soup or a refreshing plate of ceviche again, one of those simple joys that ties us so closely to island life.
But with that joy comes responsibility. Conch is one of Belize’s most important commercial species, and its survival depends on all of us respecting the laws and doing our part to keep the harvest sustainable. The regulations are clear:
- No harvesting conch smaller than 7 inches in shell length.
- No possession of undersized meat — whether unprocessed, market clean, or fillet.
- No diced conch meat unless permitted by the Fisheries Administrator.
- And of course, no taking conch during the closed season.
Conch Season Vigilance
That’s why I want to take a moment to congratulate Hol Chan Marine Reserve and their Compliance and Enforcement Unit for their tireless work. They’re out on the waters off Ambergris Caye, making sure fishers follow these rules so that we can continue to enjoy this treasured resource for generations to come. Their vigilance, dedication, and commitment to protecting our marine life deserve our thanks and recognition.
So here’s to a successful and fruitful conch season for our fishers, and here’s to Hol Chan for keeping our waters and traditions alive. May we all enjoy the flavors of the sea responsibly.
