Bottom Trawling Shouldnot Be Banned

Large Scale Fishing

Belize Banned Bottom Trawling in Exclusive Economic Zone

Estevan Choc

Francelia Kus

Francisca Coc

Monica Choc

Shieba Chun

University Of Belize, Punta Gorda Town, Toledo Campus

Professor Mrs. Gillian Miller

ENGL 1035/ ENGL 299

April 11th, 2011

Abstract

      Fishing industry in Belize has been the most significant contributor in the economy of Belize. However fishing, like all forms of human activity, is not without its environmental impact. There is a lack of adequate regulatory framework to guide the technical, administrative and financial operations of existing fishing cooperatives. Fishing has been practice in Belize for several years and has not been practice in sustainable manner therefore fishermen should be educated about the negative impact of large scale fishing. This paper will examine social, physical, emotional, and economical effects that large scale fishing has on the general public and the country. In addition this paper will review the possible alternative measures that may be used in minimizing the occurrence of large scale fishing.

Background

Large scale fishing should be banned in Belize.

      Belize is a small Central American country that is home to a large part of the world’s second largest coral reef .The untouched jewel of the Caribbean is the marketing phrase that the tourism industry is spreading the word to the outside world targeting vacationers and pensioners to come to Belize and have a good time. Belize marine ecosystem has remained relatively healthy but only about three percent of Belizean waters are fully protected. Belize has joined Venezuela and the Pacific island nation of Palau to be the third country in the world to impose a complete ban of bottom-trawling in the country. Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Rene Montero signed the statutory instrument to ban bottom trawling. December 31, 2010, was a historic decision by Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s...