Fisheries Resources Act No.7 of 2020.

This Act lays down rules for long-term conservation, management and sustainable use of fisheries resources of Belize through best practices, protection of the marine environment, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem preservation, prevention of overfishing, the establishment of effective data collection systems, strengthened governance and effective enforcement of and compliance with conservation measures, and improvement of the welfare and livelihoods of fishers and fishing communities. The Fisheries Council is established as an advisory body to be responsible for the conservation, management and development of fisheries. To this end, the duties of the Fisheries Council are to develop and implement comprehensive fisheries policies, monitor and evaluate the implementation of conservation measures and fisheries policies, and to promote coordination and cooperation in the fields of fisheries with all relevant stakeholders. In order to ensure the conservation, management and development of fisheries, this Act sets forth provisions on the determination of total allowable catch, the development of fisheries management plans, the designation of fishing priority areas, the determination of species requiring special measures, and active participation of all stakeholders, including NGOs, fishing organizations, local communities and fishers, in fisheries management and conservation. Moreover, this Act sets forth provisions on the declaration of fishing areas and marine and inland water reserves; terms and conditions of fishing license for foreign and local fishers; regional cooperation in fisheries, fisheries access agreements and licensing of foreign fishing vessels; port state measures to fight against IUU fishing; prohibited fishing gear and methods; registration of fishing vessels authorized to fish within the Belize waters; establishment and inspection of and requirements for mariculture facilities; monitoring, control and surveillance in ports of Belize and the powers of fisheries officers; and offences and penalties in case of violation of the provisions of this Act and regulations. The Minister may make regulations to give effect to the provisions of this Act.