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