Catch and Release Legislation

(Protected bonefish, permit and tarpon as Catch & Release only species)

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 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