Fisheries Resources Act No.7 of 2020. Country/Territory Belize Document type Legislation Date 2020 Source FAO, FAOLEX Long titleAn Act to make provisions in accordance with international best practices for the management of aquatic and fisheries resources of Belize with an aim to optimize present and future benefits through long-term conservation, management, sustainable use and development within the fisheries waters of Belize; to provide for the effective regulation of the fishing industry; to provide for the management and regulation of mariculture; to repeal the Fisheries Act, Chapter 210 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Subject Fisheries Keyword Aquatic animals Access right Contract/agreement Artisanal fishing Basic legislation Business/industry/corporations Biodiversity Certification Community management Enforcement/compliance Data collection/reporting Fishery management and conservation Fishing area Fishing authorization Fishing gear/fishing method Fishing vessel Foreign fishing Inland fisheries Inspection International relations/cooperation Mariculture Marine fisheries Monitoring Offences/penalties Policy/planning Protection of species Public participation Registration Smallholders/peasants Sustainable development Sustainable use Total allowable catch Aquaculture Fish disease Animal health Authorization/permit Geographical area Americas, Central America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Small Island Developing States Entry into force notes This Act is published in the Gazette on 1st of February, 2020. Abstract This Act lays down rules for long-term conservation, management and sustainable use of fisheries resources of Belize through best practices, protection of the marine environment, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem preservation, prevention of overfishing, the establishment of effective data collection systems, strengthened governance and effective enforcement of and compliance with conservation measures, and improvement of the welfare and livelihoods of fishers and fishing communities. The Fisheries Council is established as an advisory body to be responsible for the conservation, management and development of fisheries. To this end, the duties of the Fisheries Council are to develop and implement comprehensive fisheries policies, monitor and evaluate the implementation of conservation measures and fisheries policies, and to promote coordination and cooperation in the fields of fisheries with all relevant stakeholders. In order to ensure the conservation, management and development of fisheries, this Act sets forth provisions on the determination of total allowable catch, the development of fisheries management plans, the designation of fishing priority areas, the determination of species requiring special measures, and active participation of all stakeholders, including NGOs, fishing organizations, local communities and fishers, in fisheries management and conservation. Moreover, this Act sets forth provisions on the declaration of fishing areas and marine and inland water reserves; terms and conditions of fishing license for foreign and local fishers; regional cooperation in fisheries, fisheries access agreements and licensing of foreign fishing vessels; port state measures to fight against IUU fishing; prohibited fishing gear and methods; registration of fishing vessels authorized to fish within the Belize waters; establishment and inspection of and requirements for mariculture facilities; monitoring, control and surveillance in ports of Belize and the powers of fisheries officers; and offences and penalties in case of violation of the provisions of this Act and regulations. The Minister may make regulations to give effect to the provisions of this Act. Full text English Website www.nationalassembly.gov.bz References - Legislation Repeals Fisheries Act (Chapter 210). Legislation | Belize | 1948 (1989) Keyword: Basic legislation, Fishery management and conservation, Marine fisheries, Inland fisheries, Enforcement/compliance, Research, Fishing gear/fishing method, Offences/penalties, Fishing authorization, Authorization/permit, Protected area, Protection of habitats, Protection of species Source: FAO, FAOLEX Implemented by Fisheries Resources (Stone Crab) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 108 of 2022). Legislation | Belize | 2022 Keyword: Authorization/permit, Certification, Crustaceans, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing gear/fishing method, Fishing vessel, Internal trade, International trade, Protection of species, Seasons, Offences/penalties, Aquatic animals Source: FAO, FAOLEX Fisheries Resources (Gill Net Prohibition) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 158 of 2020). Legislation | Belize | 2020 Keyword: EEZ-Exclusive Economic Zone, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing gear/fishing method, Inland fisheries, Marine fisheries, Precautionary principle, Territorial sea, Maritime zone Source: FAO, FAOLEX Fisheries Resources (High Protection for Biodiversity Marine Reserves) Order, 2022. Legislation | Belize | 2022 Keyword: Biodiversity, Marine protected areas, Marine fisheries Source: FAO, FAOLEX Fisheries Resources (High Protection for Biodiversity Marine Reserves) Regulations, 2022. Legislation | Belize | 2022 Keyword: Biodiversity, Marine fisheries, Marine protected areas, Non-commercial fishing, Offences/penalties, Research, Royalties/fees Source: FAO, FAOLEX Amended by Fisheries Resources (Amendment) Act No. 7 of 2022. Legislation | Belize | 2022 Keyword: Authorization/permit, Certification, Fishery management and conservation, Protection of species, Seasons Source: FAO, FAOLEX