BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Dec. 19, 2019– The Belize Federation of Fishers invited the media to their office on Wednesday to weigh in on the current movement to ban gillnet fishing in Belize. As reported, the topic was discussed at the previous House of Representatives meeting; yet, despite the rallying of various NGO’s and fisherfolk for a complete ban on gill nets, the government voted to allow its continued use, under new restrictions.

BFF Press Conference

Many members of the public and organizations have publicly expressed their disappointment in this decision and feel that it will result in future detrimental effects on Belize’s marine ecosystems which will subsequently hurt the fisheries and tourism sectors.
At the press conference, thirteen licensed fishers signed a document stating that they are prepared to give up their gillnets now if they were to be compensated. This comes in light of the two-million-dollar incentive which was placed on the table by Oceana to encourage the eighty-three licensed fishers in the country to give up their nets and explore other methods to make their living.

These fishermen, along with the Director of the Federation of Fishers, Nigel Martinez, shared the challenges they are facing in their field and the options they see for themselves if the two million dollars would be distributed to them. Members of the collective shared that fish are becoming scarce in the area and are migrating, and whether the nets are in use or not, they are not reaping an adequate haul at the end of the day.

Additionally, the fishermen also spoke about the damage the nets have continuously done to the reef, and with little to no benefits to show for it. These members feel that the two million dollars shared among them would give them an opportunity to explore alternative sources of income in tourism and other maritime activities.

Martinez stated his desire for the government to place a fixed time on the ban so that the donors would release the funds to the fishermen who have agreed to discontinue the use of gillnets:

“We understand the position that the government is taking; however, we want the government to understand our position as well. These guys are saying that they can’t survive anymore on gillnet. Even though they are saying that they are going to phase it out, ban it within two years, these guys are saying that we are prepared to give it up now. However, the government has to meet the conditions of the donors. The donors are saying, give us a fixed time; give us a fixed date as to when this will be banned, so that these people can access the money,” said Martinez.

The GOB has ruled for the gradual ban of the gillnets over the course of the next two years; however, if a definite deadline is not set for the implementation of the ban before the end of 2019, the two-million-dollar donation offer will expire.

Feature photo: Nigel Martinez, director of Belize Fishers Federation.