The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs all fishers and the General Public that in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2012 Senator, the Honorable Lisel Alamilla – Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development has declared the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) fishery closed to fishing, harvesting or capture of the species on Thursday, May 23, 2013. The fishing community is especially advised that all conch fishing activities shall legally cease as of this date until the opening of the next fishing season on October 1, 2013.
The Belize Fisheries Department further advises restaurateurs and the public that a grace period of eight (8) days, which ends on Friday, May 31, 2013, is being given to allow persons to consume and dispose of all Queen Conch in their possession.
Any person found in possession of the Queen Conch after Friday, May31, 2013, will be charged and prosecuted in a Court of Law in accordance to the Fisheries Regulations.
The cooperation of the fishing community and the general public is greatly appreciated in the sustainable use and conservation of this important fishery resource. The Fisheries Department advises the public to report any illegal fishing activity to its Belize City offices located on Princess Margaret Drive or at telephone numbers: 224-4552 or 223-2623.
The Fisheries Department takes this opportunity to inform that the 2012/13 Queen Conch fishing season was a full success. The four registered and active fishermen cooperatives have filled their assigned Queen Conch meat quotas.
