April 15, 2011
Victory! Belize Bans All Forms of Trawling
After six months of negotiations and with support from Sir Thomas Moore, Oceana bought out the Belize’s last two trawlers as part of a government-backed move to ban all forms of trawling in Belizean waters. Belize joins Venezula and Palau as the third country to ban trawling in its waters.
Belize banned trawling back in December and with this final buyout, mid-water and bottom trawling is effectively finished in all Belizean waters, including inland rivers and lagoons.
As part of the buyout, $100,000 is earmarked for micro-loans for local fishermen and $60,000 for disaster relief – and Belize’s incredible marine ecosystem is protected! A huge thank you and congratulations to everyone who played a part in this victory!