FISHERY REGULATIONS
Lionfish are always in season to catch and fillet in Belize. However, regulations exist to ensure dive guides and visitors only remove lionfish, and not the larger snappers and groupers they encounter at dive sites. All persons interested in culling lionfish must ensure that they have the appropriate license and are using approved equipment before removing lionfish.
Anyone caught harvesting species other than lionfish can be fined up to $5000 and be imprisoned for up five years. Given the hefty fines and jail time, it is wise to abide by the Belize Fisheries Laws. |
TYPES OF LICENSES
There are currently two types of fishing licenses available in Belize: one for the traditional commercial fishermen and one for sports fishermen. Commercial fishermen harvest and resell fish, while sports fishermen capture fish for fun and do not resell. Commercial fishing licenses are available to residents and sports fishing licenses are available for visitors to catch and release fish.
Additionally, Belize Fisheries Regulations prohibit the harvest of any marine life while scuba diving (SI 17 of 1982). As such scuba divers must receive special permission in order to cull lionfish.
In recognition of the need to manage invasive lionfish, the Fisheries Administrator can grant special permission to dive guides and visitors to assist with the management of lionfish by permitting scuba divers to cull lionfish while scuba diving using approved equipment.
Anyone interested in applying for a Lionfish Hunter card can do so at the Fisheries Department office in Belize City. The Certificate of Completion you will receive at the end of this course can be presented to the Fisheries Department as proof of attending a training course.
There are currently two types of fishing licenses available in Belize: one for the traditional commercial fishermen and one for sports fishermen. Commercial fishermen harvest and resell fish, while sports fishermen capture fish for fun and do not resell. Commercial fishing licenses are available to residents and sports fishing licenses are available for visitors to catch and release fish.
Additionally, Belize Fisheries Regulations prohibit the harvest of any marine life while scuba diving (SI 17 of 1982). As such scuba divers must receive special permission in order to cull lionfish.
In recognition of the need to manage invasive lionfish, the Fisheries Administrator can grant special permission to dive guides and visitors to assist with the management of lionfish by permitting scuba divers to cull lionfish while scuba diving using approved equipment.
Anyone interested in applying for a Lionfish Hunter card can do so at the Fisheries Department office in Belize City. The Certificate of Completion you will receive at the end of this course can be presented to the Fisheries Department as proof of attending a training course.
MARINE GUIDES
Marine guides are required to register their culling device with the nearest Fisheries Department and apply for their Lionfish Hunter card.
If the Fisheries Department receives reports that dive guides are killing fish other than lionfish, they will be fined and their tour guide license will likely be suspended.
VISITORS
In order for visitors to cull lionfish they are required complete a training course and hunt lionfish in the presence of a licensed marine guide.
FISHERMEN
Commercial fishermen with a Fisher Folk License issued by the Belize Fisheries Department can use their fishing gear to harvest lionfish in waters throughout Belize, accept for replenishment zones in marine protected areas.
RESEARCHERS
Any student wishing to conduct research on lionfish must apply to the Belize Fisheries Department for a research permit prior to commencement of data collection. Foreign researchers are advised to collaborate with park managers and NGOs involved in lionfish management.
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Anyone intending to remove lionfish from within marine protected areas must apply for approval from the park manager.
Marine guides are required to register their culling device with the nearest Fisheries Department and apply for their Lionfish Hunter card.
If the Fisheries Department receives reports that dive guides are killing fish other than lionfish, they will be fined and their tour guide license will likely be suspended.
VISITORS
In order for visitors to cull lionfish they are required complete a training course and hunt lionfish in the presence of a licensed marine guide.
FISHERMEN
Commercial fishermen with a Fisher Folk License issued by the Belize Fisheries Department can use their fishing gear to harvest lionfish in waters throughout Belize, accept for replenishment zones in marine protected areas.
RESEARCHERS
Any student wishing to conduct research on lionfish must apply to the Belize Fisheries Department for a research permit prior to commencement of data collection. Foreign researchers are advised to collaborate with park managers and NGOs involved in lionfish management.
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Anyone intending to remove lionfish from within marine protected areas must apply for approval from the park manager.