Belize Consults Stakeholders on Action Plan to Tackle Illegal Fishing

Belize has taken a step in its efforts to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. On June 11, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, through the Belize Fisheries Department, convened a two-day national consultation on the draft National Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate IUU Fishing (NPOA-IUU). The consultation, held in Belize City, brought together a wide array of key stakeholders. Participants included representatives from various sectors of the fisheries industry, relevant government agencies, and partner organizations. This important initiative received technical support from the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM). The primary objectives of the consultation were multifaceted. Firstly, it aimed to gather comprehensive feedback on the draft plan, a document developed in collaborative efforts with CRFM. Secondly, the meeting sought to incorporate diverse perspectives from multiple agencies, ensuring a more inclusive and coordinated national response to the persistent threat of IUU fishing. Finally, a crucial goal was to ensure that the NPOA-IUU aligns seamlessly with Belize’s broader national development priorities and strategic goals for marine conservation.