Belize Secures Major Milestone for Fisheries

Belizean fishers can continue exporting their catch to the United States after NOAA Fisheries confirmed that Belize fisheries meet U.S. standards under the Marine Mammal Protection Act Import Provisions.

This milestone “ensures continued access to one of the most important export markets, demonstrating that Belize’s regulatory framework meets the highest international standards,” the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation said in a statement.

The recognition “is valid through December 31, 2029, unless otherwise notified by NOAA Fisheries,” the ministry added. It recognises Belize’s fisheries as complying with international marine mammal protection standards.

Belize’s application began in 2020 and involved extensive consultations and technical reviews.

NOAA Fisheries noted that Belize prohibits the intentional killing or injury of marine mammals through the Wildlife Protection Act (2014) and Fisheries Resources Act (2020).

The country also monitors fishing vessels with full logbook coverage and dockside inspections, requires reporting of marine mammal mortalities and serious injuries, and bans high seas gillnets.

“This milestone reaffirms Belize’s commitment to sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation,” the Ministry said.