Catch of the Quarter

Transcription

1 BELIZE FISHERIES DEPARTMENT Volume 9, Number 1 In this issue: Queen Conch 2 Caribbean Spiny Lobster 2 Deep Slope Fishing Trails 2 Shark Biological Data Col- 2 Synoptic Monitoring Pro- 3 Recipe Section 3 Public Notice 4 Five years reflection of Fisheries Prosecution Arrests in Status update of Belize s World Heritage Site Fun Zone 5 Punta Fuego Catch of the Quarter Mission Statement: To provide the country and the people of Belize with the best possible management of aquatic and fisheries resources, with a view to optimize the present and future benefits through efficient and sustainable management. June, 2016 Dear Readers, This volume of the Catch of the Quarter comes to us as we enter the summer months for this year. This is a very important time for us in the Fisheries Sector since in the month of June, we see the closure of two very important fishery: the Queen Conch and the Sea Cucumber. Also in June, we see the opening of the Spiny Lobster fishing season. This is a very exciting and busy time for fishermen since the Spiny Lobster remains the most important fishery in terms of its annual earnings and the number of fishers currently licensed to fish for this specie. The Catch of the Quarter gives the readers a summary of the status of the Queen Conch and Lobster Fishery and it also speaks to the shift from the landing of lobster tails to that of whole lobsters. This is a strategic move being made by the industry to capitalize on more lucrative markets which have led to a greater economic return to the fishers themselves. The Fisheries Fisheries Administrator: Ms. Beverly Wade. Department is working closely with the industry to encourage this new commodity since it also allows for more sustainable practices as lobsters are landed live. We also takes this opportunity to highlight our enforcement work and to recognize one of our officers and co-manager who has realized the most arrests in Enforcement is a very demanding job and we would like to also take this opportunity to thank the public for their support in reporting illegal activities and supporting our enforcement initiatives. This Catch of the Quarter also looks at the status of Belize s World Heritage Site. The Department would like to congratulate its stakeholders both Government and non-government on the progress made with the UNESCO on moving towards the removal of the Belize Barrier Reef from the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger. The Department is very optimistic of this being achieved in Finally we invite you the listeners and for you who have not followed our exciting fisheries radio drama Punta Fuego to tune in for Season two which will start on June 29 th! This drama encourages responsible fishing while highlighting the daily drama and perspectives of in our local fishing communities. The month of June is being celebrated as Fisherman Month and on the behalf of the Fisheries Department I would like to extend our great congratulations to our fishers who should be proud of their role as the main players in the fishing industry which continues to contribute significantly to our national economy. Fishing continues to be a dignified profession that is also socially and culturally important! Sincerely, Beverly Wade

2 C atch of the Quarter 2 Volume 9, Number 1 Queen Conch Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) measured during rapid conch assessment in The Queen conch (Strombus gigas) fishery still remains a strong and viable fishery with strong recruitment patterns as observed in the bi-annual underwater surveys. In the last two years, catch landings have declined slightly but there is no concern of overfishing at this time. The 2014 Queen conch fishing season lasted from October 2014 to May The national catch quota was set at 850,000 lbs. At the closure of the fishing season catch landings amounted to 723,120 lbs (85% of national catch quota) and earnings amounted to $8.88 million. The national quota was not realized primarily due to inclement weather conditions and due to the conch meat purchased by middlemen directly from fishers and was not formally recorded and sold in the local market or is illegally exported to neighbouring countries. Caribbean Spiny Lobster The Spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) is still the most important fishery commodity of Belize. Annual catch landings have remained relatively stable ranging between 400,000 and 600,000 lbs in the last 27 years. This fishery provides employment and a livelihood for over 2,500 fishers and their families. In 2014, catch landings amounted to 452,930 lbs of CFU Officers monitoring size limit of Lobster tail received at a Fishing Cooperative. lobster tails and export earnings were valued at $13.6 million. Traditionally, lobster is landed as tails and sold to the fishermen cooperatives but in recent years, in response to international market trends, fishermen started delivering whole lobsters as they earn higher income for this highlyvalued sea food product. Deep slope Fishing Trials CFU continues to conduct exploratory fishing to identify alternative marine fishery resources that may offer new opportunities for fishers. It is envisioned that this new fishery could provide additional income to fisher folks and reduce fishing pressure on the traditional fishery commodities such as Spiny lobster and Queen Conch. In recent months deep sea fishing trials were carried out at different sites (Caye Caulker, Sergeants Caye, and Turneffe Atoll) with the intention to explore and locate fish banks that would then inform fishers on the potential development of a new fishery. The result of the deep sea trials show there is great opportunity in the commercial harvesting of the following snapper species: Yellow eye snapper, Champagne snapper and Queen silk snapper. Presently, only a few fishermen are engaging in deep sea fishing. CFU officer conducting deep sea fishing trial at Turnnefe atoll. Shark Biological data collection The Shark fishery is long-standing seasonal fishery that has historically employed a limited number of fishers that target a small number of shark species. Management regulations exist since 2011 to ensure the protections, conservation and sustainable use of the species harvested. In 2015, some 57 fishers were licensed to fish and 23,720 lbs of shark meat was landed. The closed season is extending from 1 st August to 31 st October of every year. The CFU monitors shark landing at most fishing camps including Robinson Point, Colson Point, Scipio Caye, Round Caye and Rocky Point (Monkey River). Biological and catch data is collected Shark fins obtained at Robinson point while conducting Shark landings inspection. countries and the rest is consumed locally. during the fishing season, majority of catches are exported as salted meat to neighbouring

3 C atch of the Quarter 3 Volume 9, Number 1 Synoptic Monitoring Program The Mesoamerican Region is under increasing pressure from a variety of anthropogenic factors such as a coastal and tourism development; pollution from point and nonpoint sources such as from excess nutrients and agricultural run-off, coastal aquaculture, overfishing; increased tourism activities and other inappropriate use of its resources. As a result, it is important to establish as far as possible the extent of these damages to the various ecosystems and its potential solutions. This has led to the generation of the Synoptic Monitoring Program, a protocol develop by the MBRS region to answer some of the questions on the health of the reef and its associated ecosystems in order to assist in the management of this unique and shared resources. This long-term effort involving all members of the Mesoamerican Reef System (Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico) who have pledged to compile data on the health of the coral reef and associated ecosystems. The Fisheries Department has therefore mandated its marine reserve personnel to carry out SMP monitoring twice a year in April and October. From the complied data, analysis is carried out in an effort to define the status of the coral reef and its ecosystems. Recent results from the analysis of reserve data, has placed marine reserve coral cover at an Alert level which calls for stress causing factors to be determined to inform the required response. Algae analysis has classified marine reserve s algae cover at Poor. Again it is very important that stress levels are identified to propose mitigating measures. The results of these analyses are then converted into recommendations to further conserve and promote the sustainable management of the reserve ecosystems. Figure 1 Source: EMU Figure 2 Source: EMU Recipe Section: Lobster Mac & Cheese Source: Ingredients: Directions: 8 ounces peeled, deveined and cooked shrimp, coarsely chopped 1lb pasta (elbows/ shells) 6 tablespoons butter, divided 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 3 1/2 cups whole milk 3 cups fontina cheese, shredded 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 8 ounce tub of mascarpone cheese 1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons butter Kosher salt 1 small clove garlic, pressed or minced 1-2 teaspoons lemon zest 1 lb cooked lobster meat, cut into bite size chunks parsley, chopped, for garnish Preheat oven to 350 F. Cook the pasta to package directions. Drain and set aside. Prepare the cheese sauce: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan, add the flour and whisk to combine. Add cayenne pepper and cook over medium-low heat for about 3-4 minutes, whisking, until the flour mixture becomes light brown in color. Add the milk while whisking and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Lower the heat to and cook for about 10 minutes. Prepare the breadcrumb topping: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small fry pan over medium high heat, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the breadcrumbs and raise the heat to high and toast for about 1 minute before stirring. Continue until the bread crumbs become toasty. Stir in the lemon zest and season with kosher salt and remove from heat to cool. Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and stir in the mascarpone until melted. Add the fontina and cheddar cheese and stir to melt. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Gently fold in the lobster meat. Spoon the pasta into a 9 X 13 baking. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture on top of the pasta and bake for about minutes or until the pasta is bubbly and lightly browned on top.

4 Catch of the Quarter 4 Volume 9, Number 1 ~ PUBLIC NOTICE ~ The Belize Fisheries Department would like to welcome and inform the general public of its new staff members: Ms. Adriani Nicholson and Mr. Gilberto Young, Assisant Fisheries Offiers. ~ REMINDERS and EVENTS ~ Nassau Grouper season opened on 1st April, Agriculture Show was on April 29h to May 1st, Hicatee season closed on 1st May to 31st May, Sea Cucumber season opened on 1st May to 31st June, Caribbean Spiny Lobster season opened on15th June, Five years reflection of Fisheries Prosecution North and Central Region The Conservation based in Belize City is responsible for the northern and central region jurisdiction of the country. This entails enforcing the fisheries laws from the northern part of the Stann Creek River in Dangriga Town, to our country s northern most point which borders Mexico. The prosecution section has prosecuted a total of eight hundred and twenty five (825) cases to court over the past five years. Of these cases, sixty five percent (65%) has ended in fines and penalties in our judiciary system. There is a two percent (2%) struck out rate, as well as, a three percent (3%) dismissal rate. As it relates to fines and penalties that were administered by the Courts in the jurisdiction, there were a total of $358, that was imposed on those who were found guilty over the past five years. The major infractions committed were possession of undersize conch, possession of conch during the closed season and possession of sea cucumber during the closed season. The possession of lobsters during the closed season and undersize lobster were also an important contributor to a number of these offenses that ended up in fines and penalties. REVENUE TOTAL FINES COLLECTED $ 26, $- $ 23, $ 25, $ 33, $ 108, PENALTIES COLLECTED COST OF COURT $ 61, $ 3, $ 41, $ 42, $ 99, $ 247, $ $ $ $ $ $ 1, TOTAL $ 87, $ 3, $ 65, $ 68, $ 134, $ 358, Figure 3 Source: CCU Arrests in 2015-North and Central Region There were a total of one hundred and eighty seven (187) offenders that went before the court for a number of fisheries infractions in the northern and central region. These offences were levied by a number of Conservation Compliance Unit Officers and Marine Reserve staff from the Fisheries Department and Co-managers of the protected areas. BEST ARRESTING OFFICERS FOR NORTH AND CENTRAL REGION Fisheries Department - Rodney Castillo- CCU Co-manager - Shalini Cawich- TASA

5 C atch of the Quarter 5 Volume 9, Number 1 Status update of Belize s World Heritage Site Since 1996, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System has been inscribed on the World Heritage List under natural criteria (vii), (ix) and (x). However due to concerns from the World Heritage Centre on mangrove cutting and coastal developments, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in Since then, the World Heritage Committee has recommended a list of corrective measures for Belize to make progress on to address the key issues that were negatively impacting the Property. Over the years, a number of government and nongovernment organizations have contributed to the considerable progress in implementing the corrective measures as well as the adopted Desired State of Conservation for the removal (DSCOR) of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger. This roadmap (DSCOR) includes four areas of concern: mangrove coverage, maintaining the property s natural outstanding beauty, oil exploration and exploitation and the property s overall management. With regard to the implementation of the corrective measures and addressing key concerns Belize has made progress with, but not limited to, drafting key instruments such as the Fisheries Bill and the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan, stricter control of coastal developments and the control/eradication of invasive species. Of most noteworthy on December 2, 2015 the Government of Belize, being highly committed to ensuring the conservation of the property, banned offshore oil exploitation within the seven sites of the Property as well as within 1 kilometer on either side of the main reef system along the entire coast of Belize. With the progress made so far and the targets set for the next year, it is anticipated that the property could be removed from World Heritage List in Danger in ? 2? 3? Get them ALL!

6 BELIZE FISHERIES DEPARTMENT For further information regarding any fisheries related issues, or for persons who wish to make comments about any of our articles or would like to provide suggestions for new articles are invited to call our office at the following telephone numbers, fax number or write to us via . The contact details are provided below: For persons who wish to make reports on fisheries violations, please contact the same numbers below or you can contact Crime Stoppers Belize. Phone: / Fax: fisheries_department@fisheries.gov.bz Punta Fuego Celebrates a Successful First Season as Belize s Hottest Radio Drama! Contact: Ralna Lewis Wildlife Conservation Society rlewis@wcs.org The first season of Punta Fuego may have come to a close, but thanks to its roaring success it will officially be back on air June 2016! By the end of its first season the hit radio show has given us many causes for celebration. As one Hopkins fisher exclaimed, finally there is a show about us. Another fisher, this one from Belize City, remarked: Many people don t know what we go through and so the show helps people to understand our struggles. Throughout last summer, the signature tune of the conch shell on Love FM every Wednesday signaled the 7:15 pm start of Belize s hottest radio drama Punta Fuego. Dedicated listeners across Belize were enthralled by the young fisherman Richie and his diverse cast of counterparts as they faced ordinary and sometimes extraordinary events in their community. These challenges and dramatic conflicts spoke to critical issues pertaining to responsible fishing on an individual and community level. Punta Fuego enabled the Belizean public to get a deeper understanding of a sector that in 2011 accounted for million BZD in export earnings, representing 2.2 percent of Belize s GDP, and in 2012 supported close to 3,000 fishers. An evaluation conducted amongst fishers in Belize City, Dangriga, Sarteneja, and Hopkins revealed that approximately 34% of the surveyed population listened to Punta Fuego. What s more, those who listened to the show were more likely to: (1) possess correct knowledge regarding Belize s fisheries regulations; (2) recognise the benefits of marine protected areas; and (3) share their knowledge with other fishers. Punta Fuego ignited the passion of Belizeans across the country to protect the seas and fisheries they depend on. As one fisher expressed, I will be honest, I used to fish in the [replenishment] zones from time to time, but now I think about what I hear in the show and I don t think I will be doing that again. Punta Fuego is part of a broader Entertainment-Education strategy being supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), PCI Media Impact, the Belize Fisheries Department, and the Oak Foundation, alongside a coalition of NGOs. Fishers proudly displaying their catch at Conch Shell Bay Fish Market Belize City, Belize Source: Jose A. Sanchez Find Punta Fuego on Facebook: Listen to the first season: Catch of the Quarter is now available via ! Get the digital issues mailed to your inbox for Free! Contact Ms. Adriani Nicholson at shaneli15nicholson@hotmail.com or ext. 236.