Fisheries Bill Tabled in House, Finally

Nicole Auil Gomez

It has been in the works for nine years, but today amendments to the outdated Fisheries Bill were introduced in the House of Representatives.  The bill contains stiffer penalties against violation of fisheries regulations. The bill seeks to properly address illegal, unreported and regulated fishing activities as a matter of national priority. The bill provides for stiffer penalties. Representatives from various environmental groups were today present for the introduction of the bill. 

Nicole Auil Gomez, Country Director, WCS Belize 

“The bill looks at modernizing fisheries. It brings in more accountability. It brings in the industry partners. It sets up an advisory board, an advisory council which is really inclusive industry and really bringing in fishers to the stable and the fisheries administrators.”

Valdemar Andrade

Valdemar Andrade, Executive Director, TASA

“For protected areas managers it is monumental because it put teeth to a lot of the activities that we work with the fishers and so being able to gather data, look at eco system based approached to management to also looking at sustainable livelihoods and complimentary livelihoods with fishers.”

Julio Maz

Julio Maz, Technical Coordinator, Sustainable Fisheries

“One of the important technology aspects of the bill is the using of electronic evidence within the prosecution of fisheries offenses. So it provides a clear framework on how that electronic evidence can be introduced into the courtroom. It also provides for the installation of mobile transmitting units so that fishing vessel activities can be tracked through the waters.”

Nicanor Requeña

Nicanor Requeña, Project Manager, Environmental Defense Fund

“The bill itself provides the framework for overall enhancement of enforcement. I think by no means just the government agencies are able to do all the enforcements. My colleague as a co-manager highlighted the contributions that co-managing organizations, local N.G.O.s in this country make to enforcement and management to our fisheries and marine resources.”