Catch and Release Legislation
(Protected bonefish, permit and tarpon as Catch & Release only species)
In 2008, Turneffe Atoll Trust (TAT) led a successful campaign to protect valuable sports fishing species in Belize through the landmark Catch & Release Legislation, enacted in 2009.
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.”
TAT played a central role in advocating for the legislation and in producing the research demonstrating the economic rationale for protecting these fish. An TAT-funded economic study by Dr. Anthony Fedler and Craig Hayes was key in convincing government officials; most notably Minister of Tourism, Hon. Manuel Heredia and Minister of Fisheries, Hon. Rene Montero.
Widespread support for the effort was expressed through a country-wide petition drive with approximately 2000 signatures, and a very positive and well-attended National Consultation. Subsequently, TAT assisted in drafting the legislation.
Key Contributors to the Catch & Release Legislation:
Hon. Manuel Heredia, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries
Hon. Rene Montero, Minister of Agriculature and Fisheries
Craig Hayes, Turneffe Atoll Trust & Turneffe Flats Lodge -
Mike Heusner, Belize River Lodge
Ali Flota, El Pescador Lodge
Dr. Vincent Palacio, University of Belize
Numerous Letters of Support were received from a broad coalition of supports, including
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 International
Cabelas Outdoor Adventures
Patagonia
Roxton’s Worldwide
Bennett Mintz Public Relations
Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited
Traveling Angler Worldwide Expeditions
Fly Fishing in Saltwater Magazin
Core Angling
Paul Bruun Outdoor Columnist
Midcurrent LLC
Aardvark McLeod
International Flyfishing Specialist
Bill Wichers
Hatch Outdoors
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 extensive 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