Petroleum Operations (Maritime Zone Moratorium) Act (No. 54 of 2017). Country/Territory Belize Document type Legislation Date 2017 Source FAO, FAOLEX Long titleAn Act to impose a moratorium on the exploration for and exploitation of petroleum and other petroleum operations in the maritime zone of Belize, to prevent pollution from installation devices and vessels used in the exploration or exploitation of petroleum resources of the seabed and subsoil of the maritime zone; to accordingly, make further provisions for the protection of the Belize Barrier Reef System inclusive of the World Heritage Site; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Subject Environment gen., Mineral resources, Sea, Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Pollution control Marine pollution Oil pollution Mining Oil Ecosystem preservation Marine area Geographical area Americas, Central America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Small Island Developing States Abstract This Act introduces in Belize a prohibition of petroleum operations within the limits of its maritime zone. “Petroleum operations” means the operations related to the exploration, development, extraction, production, field separation, transportation, storage, or disposal of petroleum, but does not include any transportation or other operations in relation to petroleum that is imported into or exported from Belize by way of the maritime zone. The Minister may enter into compensation arrangements with persons who have been adversely affected by the prohibition under this Act. The Act prescribes penalties for offences committed under this Act. Full text English