Supporting a Sustainable Commercial Fishery
Concerning Information About the Health of Turneffe’s Commercial Fisheries
Turneffe Atoll Trust has been a consistent and strong supporter of sustainable commercial fishing at Turneffe, and of Turneffe’s commercial fishermen.
Turneffe has two distinct groups of commercial fishers: camp fishers and sailboat fishers. Camp Fishers have been fishing spiny lobster, conch and finfish at Turneffe for six decades. These fishermen have established semi permanent or permanent camps throughout the atoll. They have traditionally used lobster pots; although recently many have transitioned to using lobster “shades”.
Sailboat fishers have arrived more recently. They typically visit Turneffe by sailboat or larger skiff for periods of 10-20 days. These fishermen primarily dive for conch and lobsters or harvest finfish by spearfishing or handlining.
Turneffe Sailboat Fishers
Turneffe Fish Camp
Commercial Fishing Data
Prior to establishment of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, Turneffe Atoll Trust conducted an in-depth analysis of the atoll’s commercial fisheries, included extensive interviews with Turneffe fishermen. This analysis focused an the 2004-2009 timeframe, when reliable fisheries data was available. Similar data has not been readily available for recent years.
In spite of increasing fishing effort over this period, the analysis indicated declining production. Since 2009, empirical information suggests continued decline in lobster, conch and commercial finfish catches.