LEGISLATION |
Please be reminded that all sea turtles are now protected in Belize!
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Photo c2018 Linda Searle Gallows Point Reef
In 2002 Fisheries legislation was amended protecting all sea turtles in Belize. In 1993 legislation was passed protecting hawksbill sea turtles. There have been various legislation enacted governing harvest through the implementation of size limits and seasons. Harvest of sea turtles is currently permitted for cultural use, but a special permit must be applied for through the Fisheries Administrator. Illegal harvest of loggerhead, greens and hawksbill turtles continues to occur. The history of legislation governing sea turtles is summarized herein.
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LINKS
SI No 66 of 2002 Fisheries Act Chapter 210
No person shall fish for in the waters of Belize or buy, sell or have in their possession any turtle of the species:
(a) Eretmochelys imbricata (Hawksbill Turtle); (b) Caretta caretta (Loggerhead Turtle): (c) Chelonia mydas (Green Turtle); (d) Dermochelys coriacea (Leatherback Turtle); (e) Lepidochelys kempii (Kemp Ridley Turtle); (f)) Lepidochelys olivacea (Olive Ridley Turtle). No person shall take any turtle found on land; disturb, take, buy, sell or have in his possession any turtle or turtle eggs, or interfere with any turtle nest, except under written permission by the Fisheries Administrator. Any person who requires any marine turtle except of the species Eretmochelys imbricata, for traditional or cultural use, must first apply to the Fisheries Administrator in writing, stating the amount and specific purpose for such use. Section 14:01 states: Any person who contravenes Regulations 10, 11, 13 and 14, commits an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars (US $500) per turtle or part of a turtle or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both such fine and imprisonment. |
Earlier this century, a subadult green sea turtle could be purchased for as little as US $35, while larger ones sold for US $50. Before 2002, ECOMAR would raise funds from visitors and purchase turtles from fishermen to return to the wild. More than 10 years later ECOMAR was contacted by the Sea Turtle Conservancy who reported that one of the saved turtles was observed nesting at the Tortuguero nesting beach in Costa Rica! Thank you for you support! |
Photo c 2018 John Searle
Fishery Regulations 1997
This regulation protected the juvenile sea turtles that fetched less income
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The following actions were prohibited under the 1977 Fishery Regulations:
The Regulations further provided for:
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Hawksbill sea turtles supplied the tortoiseshell industry with their exquisite shells. Illegal sales still continue in small quantities in Belize. If you see products made from hawksbill shell, please photograph and report immediately. |
Photo c 2018 John Searle
Fisheries Amendment Act 1993
1993 regulations amended to protect the breeding adults, but most turtles harvested and sold exceeded this limit since they fetched a greater price.
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The 1993 amendment revised the restrictions on the take of marine turtles, by prohibiting:
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