No-Take Zones Fuels Demand for Stronger Oversight

It’s not just the proposed reef zones causing concern. Stakeholders are asking why the government wants to create even more no-take areas when the ones we already have aren’t being properly enforced. Their point is simple, enforce what exists before creating more. They believe that’s the real key to safeguarding Belize’s marine space.

 

Isela Martinez, Blue Water Fisherman Association

“Moving forward we are asking we need proper consultation. There are a lot of illegal activities happening. So, when we think you want to close off more areas now, what are we doing? Without proper enforcement it is like we are not doing anything.”

 

Nigel Martinez, Director, Belize Federation of Fishers

“We have said categorically that you cannot call a consultation with a small group of people. One of the questions we have asked when you look at the zones and areas, these zones and areas represent hundreds of fisherfolks and tour guides and stakeholders. So for us to have a consultation you want to identify a percentage of those people to get a meaningful consultation to implement changes.”

 

Paula Jacob Williams, Resident, Punta Negra Village

“The thing is that we have been a part of the protected area and they talk about the no take area. To me the enforcement is poor and we need more enforcement. Why should we protect more and we are not taking care of the one we have already. No protection is there. All those years we had birds on the cayes. We use to catch bait. You do towing and fishing and now it get protected and nothing is there to take. So what will we take after this?”

 

Michael Peralta, Flyfishing Guide

“We do lack enforcement, at least for us in San Pedro. It is frustrating that always hear that you are giving us pills that we must swallow without pill and they tell us this is how it will be because it is law. They tell us they are going to protect sections of the reef that we won’t be able to fish, but they allow barges to throw all that sediment up.”