The 2023 – 2024 Queen Conch Season in Belize officially ended on Sunday, June 9th. It’s an earlier closure date than the usual June 30th, and that’s because the production quota for the season has already been met. That means that, from now until October 1, 2024, fishing for Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) in Belizean waters is strictly prohibited and so is possessing Queen Conch meat.
In Season: Belize’s Commitment to Sustainability Through Food
Belize’s Spiny Lobster Season opens in the summer. Photo by the Belize Tourism Board.
In Belize, seasonality is a way of life. Apart from the occasional imported fruit, like strawberries and persimmons, most produce is enjoyed when in season. That includes succulent mangoes and avocados in the summer as well as sweet sorrel during Christmastime. The same can be said for plenty of Belize’s seafood, too. To ensure the sustainability of Belize’s fishing industry, open and closed seafood seasons (as well as size limits) are enforced by the country’s Fisheries Department.
As consumers, we play an important role in the restoration and preservation of the seafood we consume, so it’s important to promote healthy oceans and sourcing seafood responsibly by strictly adhering to fisheries regulations, especially closed seasons!”
Being mindful of Belize’s open and closed seasons is one way that consumers can contribute to the country’s dedication to conservation. Some of Belize’s seasonal seafood include Queen Conch (July 1 to Sept 30), Lobster (February 15 to June 14), Nassau Grouper (December 1 to March 31), and Wild Shrimp (July 14 – March 14).
Want to report any illegal fishing activity? Contact the Belize Fisheries Department at 224-4552.
Featured Photo courtesy of Ray Caye Island Resort
