The Belize Fisheries Department has officially announced the annual closure of the shark fishing season, effective from the 1st May, until 31st October 2025. The ban is part of the Fisheries (Amendment) Regulation under Statutory Instrument No. 128 of 2021.
Under the regulation, “No person shall take, buy, sell, possess, or export shark meat or fins during the period 1st May to 31st October in any year.” Authorities stress that breaches will be met with strict penalties. Offenders are liable to “a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $5,000 or to imprisonment for 6 months or to both.”
The department said in a statement, “The public is advised to comply with the stipulated shark regulations.” It added that all citizens should be vigilant and report violations.