Abstract

The Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) fishery is of major economic importance in Belize, with the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve (TAMR) serving as a vital fishing area that significantly contributes to the country's total lobster catch. TAMR sustains a substantial fishing community, comprising over 700 commercially licensed fishers, with approximately 250 classified as customary users. TAMR fishers utilize a diverse range of fishing vessels and techniques, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the fishery. Specifically, sailboat fishers hailing from northern villages predominantly engage in free diving practices using hook sticks to catch lobster (Wildtracks, 2022). In contrast, traditional lobster camp fishers within the reserve strategically deploy lobster traps and/or shades in designated fishing grounds to optimize catch efficiency. The intricate interplay of fishing methods employed by TAMR fishers underscores the complexity of the marine reserve's fishing dynamics. The Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA), co-manager of TAMR, conducted a study to establish a baseline understanding of the lobster camp fishery. It focused on fishers who set lobster traps and/or shades in traditional fishing grounds, by gentlemen’s agreement, near owned or leased fishing camps.

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