Managed Access is an innovative fisheries management strategy that preserves biodiversity in a manner that keeps fishermen on the water and focused on the long-term sustainability of fish stocks. Since 2009, the Government of Belize, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the Toledo Institute for Development and the Environment (TIDE), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and a range of other organizations have worked to formulate management techniques that will end uncontrolled growth in the numbers of fishermen and ensure that Belizeans will get benefits from ending overfishing, preserving biodiversity and strengthening the fishing industry.

Results of Pilot

• Violations are down in nearly all categories
• The race to fish has eased
• Fishermen are seeing an increase in catch
• Engages the fishermen in sustainable fisheries management
• Win-win system where fishermen have a direct stake in the health of the area where they fish and by extension have more incentive to help protect the replenishment zone. As these fisheries recover, fishermen can catch more fish and become vocal stewards of the ecosystem.

The pilot program is currently being expanded to include 10 marine reserves, or Managed Access Territorial Use Rights for Fishing (TURFS) to cover almost 45% of Belize’s fishing areas.

Country: Belize
Location: Glovers Reef and Port Honduras Marine Reserves
Focal Point:Adriel Castaneda, Belize Fisheries Department, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHOTO: Belize Reef Seagrasses and Mangroves from above. Credit Jason Valdez.