The Belize Sports Fishing industry is applauding the action taken by Fisheries Minister Rene Montejo, to protect high value sports fish like Tarpon, bone fish and Permit from exploitation, by insisting on a catch-and-release policy.
A new statutory Instrument states that “no person or establishment shall have in his possession any bone fish (albula vulpes) Permit (trachinotus falacutus) or tarpon (megalops Atlanticus), save and except in the act of catch and release.”
The Belize Sports Fishing Industry notes that several economic studies have been conducted in Belize, focusing on these three species for sports fishing tourism. The studies indicate the high economic value of these species for the local economy.
It has been estimated that these three species - bonefish, tarpon and permit together bring in some $60 million a year and create some 1800 jobs.
“Simply put, these species are far more valuable alive than dead,” industry leaders say, and the Minister of Fisheries has worked with the private sector and NGO groups to protect them.”
The legislation has already received significant international recognition from environmental groups, and the international media, the organization reports.
