Abstract

The Belize Fisheries Project (BFP), an initiative by the Summit Foundation, provides information in support of sustainable fisheries within the Belize Barrier Reef complex. Fisheries resources provide critical livelihoods, food security and nutrition to coastal communities in Belize while also contributing to the broader blue economy. Considerable information available on Belize’s fisheries allowed in-depth analyses, which were shared with government authorities, NGOs, and fishers. Reconstructed catches (1950 – 2019) were dominated by queen conch and Caribbean spiny lobster with snappers being the main group of finfish. Other species, notably groupers, jacks and king mackerel made up the majority of the remaining catch. Assessments of 20 commercially important species demonstrated sustainability concerns. These results are supported by independent science-based evidence from Belize. A governance review using the Fisheries Governance Tool examined policy documents and procedures. Numerous policies exist for managing fisheries and maritime spaces. However, minimum harvestable sizes are too low (i.e., they are lower than size at maturity) and vessel license and access limitations are not effectively implemented. Most government publications indicate “insufficient data” for management. However, the BFP compiled a substantial literature repository and data covering the past 50 years. Lack of data should not preclude the taking of precautionary management actions to ensure sustainability.