Supporting Sustainable Commercial Fishing

Providing Substantial Long-term Support for Belize’s Commercial Fishermen

Turneffe Atoll Trust (TA) has long been an advocate for sustainable commercial fishing at Turneffe and a committed supporter of Turneffe’s commercial fishermen.

There are two groups of commercial fishermen at Turneffe: Camp Fishers and Sailboat/Skiff Fishers. Camp Fishers have been harvesting spiny lobster and conch at Turneffe for five or six decades, and have semi-permanent or permanent camps throughout the atoll. They fished primarily with lobster pots, though many have now shifted to using “shades”.

Over the last three decades, increasing numbers of sailboat and skiff fishermen have joined the fishery. These fishermen typically travel to Turneffe to fish for 10-20 days while living on their sailboats or skiffs. Together, these two groups represent a rich fishing tradition that defines Turneffe’s commercial fishery.

Unfortunately, the number fishermen licensed to fish at Turneffe has increased from approximately 250 to more than 1,500. Turneffe Atoll Trust does not feel this level of commercial fishing effort is sustainable.

Belize Federation of Fishers

— A National Voice for Belize’s Commercial Fishermen —

A strong, unified national voice is essential to represent the interests of Belize’s commercial fishermen. The Belize Federation of Fishers (BFF) is the sole national organization representing Belize’s fishermen. Under the BFF umbrella are 12 fishermen’s associations throughout Belize including

  • Sarteneja Tilapia Growers & Development Association,

  • Sarteneja United Local Fishermen Association,

  • Copper Bank Fishermen Association,

  • Chunox Fishermen Association, Belize City Central Fishermen Association,

  • WABAFU Fishermen Association,

  • Hopkins Fishermen Association,

  • Seine Bight Fishermen Association,

  • Placencia Producers Cooperative Society Limited,

  • Independence Fishermen Association,

  • Monkey River Fishermen Association,

  • Toledo Fishermen Association

For the past eight years, Turneffe Atoll Trust has been the primary financial supporter of BFF, providing funding for staff, office space, and critical projects that strengthen BFF and support sustainable fishing.

The Core Functions of BFF include:

  • Advocating for the common interests of Belize’s fishermen

  • Advocating for a stronger voice for fishermen in decision that impact their livelihoods

  • Promoting sustainable fisheries

  • Collaborating with the Fisheries Department on shared goals

  • Engaging with pertinent stakeholders to advance research, public awareness and advocacy

  • Advocating for public policies that protect the livelihoods of fishers and their communities

  • Negotiating with Government and National Funding Agencies for the proper allocation of funds for fishers, their associations and their communities