The use of unsustainable and unselective fishing gears such as nets and longlines are disproportionately contributing to the decline in Belize's finfish as well as a host of other protected or threatened species including turtles, manatees, recreational fish, sharks and rays. These gears also represent an inequitable means of fishing where a few fishers capture large numbers of animals at the expense of many fishers who work hard to sustain themselves, their families and the country's fisheries using sustainable hook and line fishing. 

Current legislation limiting the number and size of nets is unenforceable and the use of longlines is not restricted. Moreover surveys conducted have shown that the majority of Belize's fishers support a ban on nets and longlines to reverse fisheries declines. 

Join your voice to those of Belize's fishers and tour-guides and institutions in support of sustainable fisheries and urge policy reform that bans the use of unsustainable nets and longlines throughout Belize.

Thank you for supporting more sustainable fisheries that can provide fish and employment to the current and coming generations.