Piracy and Threats Escalate as Lobster Season Starts

As the lobster season prepares to open tonight at 12:01 a.m., the Belize Federation of Fishers (BFF) says there is an increase in threats and acts of intimidation faced by traditional fishers in Belizean waters.

According to the BFF today, a recent confrontation near Water Caye, about 10 nautical miles southeast of Belize City, occurred when a group of traditional fishers was allegedly threatened by another group reportedly scouting the area under suspicious circumstances. The situation escalated, and the Belize Coast Guard was called to intervene and escort the threatened fishers safely back to Belize City.

The BFF says this incident is part of a troubling trend. “These incidents are driven by piracy,” the federation stated, describing thefts of harvested marine products, fishing supplies, and equipment, as well as increasing territorial conflicts over traditional fishing grounds.

With the growing pressures of declining fish stocks and a rising number of entrants into the fishery, competition for “trap-setting territory” has intensified, according to the BFF. It added that this has led to more frequent occurrences of threats, intimidation, and even violence.

In addition to the Water Caye area, Turneffe Atoll has also been identified as a hotspot for such conflicts.

The BFF is urging fishers to report any incidents of violence, intimidation, or displacement to the Belize Police Department or the Coast Guard.