Belize and Mexico Working to Resolve Fishermen Dispute Near Border

A video of Belizean and Mexican fishermen arguing over a fishing spot in northern border waters has surfaced.

Belize Rural South Area Representative Andre Perez says while tensions exist, the situation has not escalated, and discussions are ongoing between both countries at the diplomatic level.

He explained that a small island in the border area is at the centre of the dispute and said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already reached out to the Mexican embassy in an effort to work toward a resolution. Perez noted that communities such as San Pedro and the Mexican border town of Xcalak maintain long-standing social and family ties despite the issue.

“It’s not heated. We are amicable not only at the diplomatic levels, but the people of Xcalak and San Pedro, we get along,” Perez said. “We travel there. People go there. They come here.”

At the same time, he attributed the growing friction largely to declining fish stocks in the area, something he said cannot be ignored. “The fish is getting scarce. That is something that is real,” he said. Pezez added that Belize’s conservation commitments under the Blue Bond 30-by-30 agreement are also influencing how marine areas are managed.