The Belize Fisheries Department has collaborated with the University of Belize to craft legislation to better protect the reproductive season of commercial sea cucumbers.
These new laws were prepared using the results of studies by Dr. Arleni Rogers, an experienced sea cucumber researcher from UB.
The new law currently prohibits fishing or possessing sea cucumbers from February 1st to July 31st, inclusive, in any year. These Regulations also establish size limits.
The Department plans to conduct a national sea cucumber stock assessment in collaboration with Dr. Rogers. For 2022, the sea cucumber fishing season will remain closed, and possession is prohibited. The stock assessment results will inform the Government of Belize if the fishery is viable for the 2023 fishing season. The assessment is expected to provide further updates on the biology and ecology of the sea cucumber species in Belize.
