Sea Cucumber Fishing Season Opens September 1: New Regulations Announced

In accordance with the Fisheries Resources (Sea Cucumber) Regulations, Statutory Instruments No. 67 of 2009 and 107 of 2022, the Fisheries Department announces that the Sea Cucumber fishery will officially open on September 1, 2024. The season will run until January 31, 2025, or until the catch quota is reached, whichever comes first.

To ensure the sustainability and long-term viability of the Sea Cucumber fishery, all fishers with valid commercial fishing licenses are required to follow new regulations. Only those with valid licenses are permitted to fish for Sea Cucumbers during this period, and fishing must occur within their authorized areas as specified on their individual licenses.

Fishers are allowed to harvest only the Donkey Dong (Holothuria mexicana) Sea Cucumber. Additionally, all Sea Cucumbers must measure at least 16 centimeters (6.3 inches) in length when removed from the sea. Harvested Sea Cucumbers must be landed at designated sites, which will be announced at a later date.

The approved exporters for the season are:
– Rio Grande Fishermen Cooperative Society Limited
– Rosendo Cassanova
– Belize Ocean Catch Limited
– Zhang Imports

Fishing vessel owners and captains are required to maintain a Catch log record and submit this data to the Fisheries Department at the end of each fishing trip. All other Fisheries Regulations remain applicable throughout the season.