Protecting Belize’s Flats Fishing

Legislation Protecting Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon as Catch & Release Only Species

Sport fishing in Belize is primarily “flats fishing” for bonefish, permit and tarpon, and Belize is one of the few places in the world where anglers can land a flats Grand Slam - all three of these species in one day. Of note is that Belize is known throughout the sport fishing world as the best possible location to catch the prize of flats fishing, the elusive permit.

Flats fishing in Belize is overwhelmingly done with fly fishing gear and much less so with light spin fishing equipment. As a result of legislation passed in 2008, all bonefish, permit and tarpon must be released by sports fishers unharmed; and this law mandates that “no person or establishment shall have possess bonefish, permit or tarpon save in the act of catch and release”. Since this legislation was enacted, these species have thrived, making catch & release fishing in Belize a glowing example of sustainable tourism.

Economic Impact of Sport Fishing for Belize

The economic impact of sport fishing for bonefish, permit and tarpon is huge. In 2007, Turneffe Atoll Trust funded an economic analysis by Dr. Anthony Fedler and Craig Hayes, entitled “The Economic Impact of Recreational Fishing for Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon in Belize for 2007”. This analysis demonstrates that these three species generate $56 million (BZD) per year for Belize’s economy and provide 1800 full-time jobs.

Economic Impact of Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon for Belize in Belize 2007

Dr. Anthony Fedler & Craig Hayes,

Turneffe Atoll Trust

This economic study was repeated in 2015 showing that the economic impact for Belize from these three species had grown to $115 million BZD per year. In 2022, approximately 30 resorts and lodges provide flats fishing opportunities along with numerous private guides.

Economic Impact of Flats Fishing in Belize 2013

Dr. Anthony Fedler

Bonefish Tarpon Trust

Catch and Release Legislation

In 2008, Turneffe Atoll Trust led efforts to protect valuable sports fishing species in Belize through the landmark Catch & Release Legislation.

For many years, Belize’s sport fishing industry had recognized the need to protect these three valuable species; however, numerous attempts to do so had been unsuccessful.

Our efforts were successful in 2009 largely because decision makers were convinced that bonefish, permit and tarpon are too valuable to catch only once. Landmark Catch & Release Legislation was enacted in 2009 mandating that “No person shall have in his possession any bonefish, permit or tarpon, or any of its product forms, save and except in the act of catch and release.”

In addition to funding and participating in the above mentioned study, Turneffe Atoll Trust worked closely with key governmental agencies in Belize, non-governmental agencies and the sport fishing industry. The economic impact of these species in Belize, as shown in the “study”, was essential for solidifying the support of key government officials, particularly the Minister of Tourism, Honorable Manuel Heredia, and the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Honorable Rene Montero. Widespread support for the project was expressed through a country-wide petition drive with approximately 2000 signatures, and a very positive and well-attended National Consultation. Subsequently, Turneffe Atoll Trust assisted in the process of drafting the legislation.

Principles involved in the initial process included:

Minister of Tourism & Aviation - Hon. Manuel Heredia
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries - Hon. Rene Montero
Turneffe Atoll Trust
Turneffe Flats Lodge - Craig Hayes
Belize River Lodge - Mike Heusner
El Pescador Lodge - Ali Flota
University of Belize - Dr. Vincent Palacio

Numerous Letters of Support were received from:
Belize Tourism and Industry Association, Belize Tourism Board, Belize Hotel Association, Ambergris Caye Chamber of Commerce, San Pedro Town Counsel, Orvis Travel, Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Adventures, Frontiers Specialized International Travel Consultants, Cabelas Outdoor Adventures, Patagonia, Roxton’s Worldwide, Bennett Mintz Public Relations, Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited, Traveling Angler Worldwide Expedition, Charles Schaeffer, Fly Fishing in Saltwater Magazine, Core Angling, Paul Bruun Outdoor Columnist, Midcurrent LLC, Aardvark McLeod International Flyfishing Specialist, Bill Wichers, Hatch Outdoors, Ray Schmidt, TIDE, Green Reef Environmental Institute, Friends of Nature, Smithsonian Institute, World Wildlife Fund, University of Belize, University of Belize Student Government, Turneffe Atoll Trust, Turneffe Flats, El Pescador, The Radisson Hotel, The Lodge at Chaa Creek and Machaca Hill Resort.

Catch and Release Mortality for Flats Fishing

Fish mortality related to Catch & Release varies widely depending on the fishing methods. Nearly all flats fishing in Belize is done in the shallows with fly fishing gear and small flies, usually with pinched barbs. This style of fishing leads to very low catch and release mortality making this fishery a prime example of sustainable tourism for Belize.

This summary of catch and release mortality at Turneffe Atoll is indicative of other flats fishing areas throughout Belize.

Flats Fishing Catch & Release Mortality: Turneffe Atoll, Belize