There’s no doubt that fishing around Belize is superb, with a wide range of species and habitats to explore. It’s always interesting to hear what’s happening on the ground to protect these pristine environments so we were keen to share a recent update from Craig Hayes at Turneffe Flats Lodge on the work in hand to look at permanently protecting Belize’s flats fishery.
The Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA)has announced the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve Flats Fishing Management and Sustainability Plan, a landmark initiative providing:
- An in-depth understanding of the Turneffe Atoll’s flats fishery
- A framework for managing the fishery
- Plans for protecting the Atoll’s essential flats fishing habitats
Flats fishing is a key sector of Belize’s tourism economy. According to a 2022 economic analysis by Turneffe Atoll Trust, flats fishing generates BZ$240.6 million annually for Belize (6.7% of GDP) and provides 6,000 Belizean jobs.
Turneffe Atoll is one of Belize’s premier flats fishing destinations with extensive wadable backreef flats, creeks, channels and two large lagoon systems. Anglers from around the world visit Turneffe seeking exceptional opportunities to fish for bonefish, permit, tarpon, and a variety of other species.
Recognizing the importance of managing this resource and ensuring its long-term health, TASA convened Turneffe Atoll Trust, Turneffe Atoll’s flats fishing operators, key government agencies, and international flats fishing experts to develop a comprehensive plan for managing and sustaining Turneffe’s flats fishery including:
- Assessing sustainability of Turneffe’s flats fishery
- Mapping and prioritisation of essential flats fishing areas
- Reviewing current regulatory functions
- Establishing flats fishing etiquette protocols
- Addressing potential conflicts with commercial fishing
- Initiating better scientific understanding of the fishery
While Belize is blessed with some of the world’s best flats fishing habitat, critical areas at Turneffe and throughout the country are threatened by dredging, over-water development and mangrove deforestation. Recognizing this, the plan addresses threats to Turneffe’s fishery and develops concrete recommendations for ensuring the long-term viability of this valuable natural and economic resource.
TASA and the Flats Fishing Committee members hope that this Plan will serve as a model for other flats fisheries, in Belize and globally.
Valdemar Andrade, TASA’s Executive Director, states that, “The launch of this plan marks a significant step toward sustainable management and offers a model for how stakeholders can actively participate to ensure the long-term viability of Turneffe’s and Belize’s flats fisheries.”
TASA encourages international anglers, travel wholesalers, fly shops and others to utilize this plan to improve and sustain your fishery.
We echo Craig’s desire to have these areas protected and wish him and his team the very best with this important project. Let us know if you are interested in receiving any further information or have a look here at the Turneffe Atoll Organisation website.
For more details on fishing in Belize please do not hesitate to contact Peter McLeod or Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.