Belizean Fishers Demand Action with Release of Fisher’s Audit 2025

Fishers are sounding the alarm despite Belize’s strong conservation laws. A new 2025 audit warns the industry is under strain, citing poor catch reporting, limited funding, and slow enforcement of key regulations as major threats, with signs of overfishing already emerging. Drawing on fisher feedback and twenty-nine key indicators, the report calls for urgent reform: better transparency, accessible financing, and a stronger voice for those on the frontlines. At today’s launch, San Pedro Fisherfolk Association President Jorge Aldana laid out the growing challenges facing an industry that supports thousands of coastal families.

 

Jorge Aldana, President, San Pedro Fisherfolk Association

“While some progress have been made in certain areas, fishers continue to face concern relating to governance, representation, enforcement, economic opportunities, access to information, and participation in the decision-making. The findings highlight issues that have been raised by fishermen for many years and provide a structured assessment of where attention is needed. The recommendations are practical and action-oriented. This is very important because many of the times when we see recommendation being tabled, many of these recommendations gather dust on desk at policymakers and on the laps of policymakers. And we felt, from a fisherman perspective, that some of the recommendation presented should be very practical recommendations, achievable recommendations. They are intended to support stronger fisheries management, improve communication between stakeholders, and strengthen the roles of fishers in decisions that affect our livelihoods. The recommendations are not directed at any single institution or stakeholders. They are intended to encourage collaboration among government, fisheries, cooperative, civil society, NGO organizations, and other key partners that have a vested interest in the fishing industry.”

 

Fishers also raised alarm over the widespread dredging in Belize, warning that it is destroying vital breeding grounds and marine habitats.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

Watch the full newscast here: