TIDE Ramps Up Enforcement to Protect Marine Reserves

TIDE says that efforts to protect Belize’s marine reserves are intensifying under their watch. They are overseeing over three hundred thousand acres within the Sapodilla Caye Marine Reserve. But they are not deterred. The institute has ramped up enforcement operations to curb illegal fishing. Recent improvements in equipment and seasoned patrol teams have already led to successful interceptions.

 

On the Phone: Florencio Coc, Project Manager, TIDE

“We acknowledge that there has been limited patrols or enforcement prior to us taking over the management, but because there is a new management there is more focus. So we have conducted several operations and like we have said, the law-abiding fishers will conduct operations during the day while the illegals will conduct during the night. So, that has been one of the challenges we have because these people know, especially the transboundary fishers we have. And most of the illegal transboundary has been happening by neighboring community. WE have had some improvement in terms of our equipment to be effective in protecting the reserve. These two persons we have apprehended intended to evade by entering back into their country. But because we have seasoned enforcement teams they were able to maneuver effectively and apprehend the vessel. So now the vessel is with the Fisheries Department.”