Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve

Flats Fishery Management & Sustainability Plan

The Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve Flats Fishing Management and Sustainability Plan is a landmark initiative developed by Turneffe’s flats fishing stakeholders, key governmental agencies in Belize and international flats fishing experts for the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve. Chaired by Turneffe Atoll Trust (TAT), the plan provides a structured approach to managing Turneffe’s flats fishery and outlines concrete plans to ensure its long term sustainability.

Read the full plan here: Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve Flats Fishery Management & Sustainability Plan

Flats fishing is a key sector of Belize’s tourism economy. A 2022 economic analysis funded by Turneffe Atoll Trust, determined that flats fishing generates BZ$240.6 million annually for Belize (approximately 6.7% of Belize’s GDP) while providing 6,000 Belizean jobs.

Turneffe Atoll stands out as one of Belize’s premier flats fishing destinations, featuring expansive backreef flats, creeks, channels and two large lagoon systems. Anglers from around the world travel to Turneffe for world-class opportunities to catch bonefish, permit, tarpon, and a variety of other species.

The Management & Sustainability Plan prioritizes and maps Turneffe’s essential flats fishing areas, evaluates the sustainability of the fishery, reviews existing regulations and establishes flats fishing etiquette protocols. It also addresses potential conflicts with commercial fishing, and highlights the need to for deeper understanding of the fishery through scientific research. Most importantly, the Plan outlines specific actions needed to protect the fisheries essential habitats.

While Belize is blessed with some of the world’s best flats fishing habitat, critical areas at Turneffe, and throughout the country, face increasing threats from dredging, over-water development and mangrove deforestation. Recognizing this, the Plan directly addresses these threats and provides practical recommendations for ensuring the long-term viability of critically important habitats.

TASA and Flats Fishing Committee members hope that this Plan will serve as a model for other flats fisheries in Belize and globally.