BELIZE, CITY, Belize – The ministry of blue economy and marine conservation, through the Belize fisheries department, is taking a significant step forward in the fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing with the convening of a two-day national consultation on the draft National Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate IUU Fishing (NPOA-IUU).
The consultation was held in Belize City on June 11, 2025, bringing together key stakeholders from across the fisheries sector, government agencies, and partner organizations. The initiative was conducted with technical support from the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM).
The objectives of the consultation are threefold:
- To gather feedback on the draft NPOA-IUU, developed in collaboration with the CRFM;
- To incorporate multi-agency perspectives for a more inclusive and coordinated national response to IUU fishing; and,
- To ensure alignment between the NPOA-IUU and Belize’s broader national development priorities and strategic goals.
The ministry reaffirms its dedication to protecting Belize’s marine biodiversity and ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from the ocean’s resources.