Sea Cucumber Fishing Season Opens Soon, Licenses Required by Law

The Belize Fisheries Department has announced that the fishing season for sea cucumber (Holothuria mexicana) will officially open on August 1. The Department reminds all fishers that a special sea cucumber fishing license is required to engage in this activity, as mandated by Statutory Instrument No. 67 of 2009. The annual fee for the sea cucumber special fishing license is BZ$75.00, and only those with a valid commercial fishing license are eligible to apply. The application period for this special license runs from July 10 to August 15. Importantly, all individuals on board any vessel involved in sea cucumber fishing must hold a valid sea cucumber license. The Department urges fishers to comply with all licensing requirements to avoid penalties. The sea cucumber season closes on January 31, 2026, or until the national catch quota is met, whichever comes first.