Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve

Flats Fishery Management & Sustainability Plan

Turneffe Atoll’s flats fishing stakeholders, key governmental agencies and international flats fishing experts have developed the “Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve Flats Fishing Management and Sustainability Plan.” This landmark initiative, chaired by Turneffe Atoll Trust, provides a management structure for the Turneffe’s flats fishery and offers concrete plans for sustaining it.

Read The Full Plan Here: Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve Flats Fishery Management & Sustainability Plan

The Plan maps and prioritizing Turneffe’s essential flats fishing areas, analyzes the fisheries current regulatory functions, establishes flats fishing etiquette protocols, addressing potential conflicts with commercial fishing, and initiating efforts for better scientific understanding of the fishery. Additionally, the Plan recommends concrete steps to protect the fisheries essential habitats.

Valdemar Andrade, Executive Director for the Reserves Co-manager, the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA) states that, “The launch of this plan marks a significant step toward sustainable management and offers a model for how stakeholders can actively participate to ensure the long-term viability of Turneffe’s and Belize’s flats fisheries."

Flats fishing is a key sector of Belize’s tourism economy. According to a 2022 economic analysis by Turneffe Atoll Trust, flats fishing generates BZ$240.6 million annually for Belize (approximately 6.7% of the country’s GDP) and provides 6,000 Belizean jobs.

Turneffe Atoll is one of Belize’s premier flats fishing destinations with extensive wadable backreef flats, creeks, channels and two large lagoon systems. Anglers from around the world visit Turneffe seeking exceptional opportunities to fish for bonefish, permit, tarpon, and a variety of other species.

While Belize is blessed with some of the world’s best flats fishing habitat, critical areas at Turneffe and throughout the country are threatened by dredging and over-water development. Recognizing this, the Plan addresses threats to Turneffe’s fishery and develops concrete recommendations for ensuring the long-term viability of this valuable natural and economic resource.

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