Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Fishing in Sapodilla Cayes

Authorities in southern Belize have cracked down on illegal fishing within the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve. Following the discovery of a three-mile-long fishing line loaded with dead marine species, including sharks, the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) joined forces with the Belize Coast Guard and Fisheries Department to conduct a special operation. The joint effort led to the arrest of two Honduran nationals and the seizure of dozens of illegally harvested fish. We spoke with Florencio Coc, Project Manager at TIDE, about the operation.

 

On the Phone: Florencio Coc, Project Manager, TIDE

“On December second, we have conducted a special operation along with TIDE enforcement team, the Belize Coast Guard and the Fisheries Department. That operation was as a result of a previous incident we had on December first where our enforcement team came across a long line spanning three miles long.  And on that line, they retrieved numerous species, including one hammer head shark and several reef sharks. Unfortunately, when these guys retrieved the long line, these fish were already dead. So that escalates us to conduct more patrols day and night. In December second, we conducted a joint operation where we apprehended two Hondurans and found in their possession several species of marine life, which include thirty-seven bone fish which we know is illegal to harvest within the reserve. They were brought in and formally charged at the Punta Gorda Magistrate where they were charged for illegal harvesting of marine life without commercial license. They were charged for possession of gillnet, for possession of bone fish and for boat vessel without valid Belize license and immigration offense, which is illegal entry.”