Abstract

Shark populations are in decline globally through overfishing, and Belize is no exception. Interviews conducted with fishers throughout Belize and in neighboring Guatemala suggest a dramatic decrease in shark diversity, abundance and size of sharks captured in Belize. The fishery targets primarily Carcharhinid species, several of which are listed by the World Conservation Union as “Endangered”. As preferred species such as hammerheads (Sphyrna spp.) become scarce, species such as nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) are increasingly captured to supply demand in neighboring countries during the Lenten season despite their non consumptive economic importance to Belizean tourism. The Asian fin market is another key driving force behind the Belize-based shark fishery. Nets followed by longlines are the gears of choice in a shark fishery conducted primarily between November and March. In Southern Belize, fishing pressure originates mostly from neighboring countries where coastal populations are significantly higher, demand is greater and gas half the price of that sold in Belize. Fisher survey results are further supported by a broad field survey conducted throughout Southern Belize from January through August 2006 that has yielded low catch per unit effort. Results further reveal a notable absence of coastal sharks where they were once plentiful. Results from this study will be incorporated into the National Plan of Action for Sharks, which will form the basis for management of sharks and rays in Belize

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