Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Fisheries and

for a world without hunger Aquaculture Department

National Aquaculture Sector Overview

Belize

I. Characteristics, Structure And Resources Of The Sector IV. Trends, Issues And Development
a. Summary V. References
b. History And General Overview
a. Bibliography
c. Human Resources
b. Related Links
d. Farming Systems Distribution And Characteristics
e. Cultured Species
f. Practices/Systems Of Culture
II. Sector Performance
a. Production
b. Market And Trade
c. Contribution To The Economy
III. Promotion And Management Of The Sector
a. The Institutional Framework
b. The Governing Regulations
c. Applied Research, Education And Training

Characteristics, structure and resources of the sector

Summary

Aquaculture in Belize formally began in 1982 with the development of ten acres (4 ha) of experimental ponds
by a private company, in the southern part of the Country. Since that time, the industry has developed rapidly
and has become firmly established as a significant contributor to the Belizean economy in terms of foreign
exchange earnings, income generation, employment, nutrition, and food security.

In Belize, the aquaculture industry is primarily based on the production of the whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei).
Aquaculture in Belize has been expanding in volume and value more rapidly than capture fishery production,
terrestrial livestock production and other agro-production activities. The growth performance of this aspect of
the sector is reflected in the 160 percent annual increase in the production volume of farmed shrimp over the
last decade. The export production and revenues have increased from 1.2 million pounds (545.4 tons) and Bz$
10.4 million (US$ 5.2 million) respectively in 1995 to 16.86 million pounds (7 664 tons) and Bz$ 84.28
million (US$ 42.14 million) respectively in 2004.

The contribution of Fisheries, including aquaculture to GDP was five percent for 2003. Export earnings for
aquatic products were Bz$ 107 million (US$ 53.5 million) in 2004. This was second only to Sugar Cane
which earned Bz$ 114 million.

The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per Capita was Bz$ 7 223 (US$ 3 612) for 2003. The GDP at market
prices was Bz$ 1 974 million (US$ 987 million). The GDP for Fisheries has increased steadily over the years
from 2.2 percent in 1995 to 3.7 percent in 2000, to the latest available data of 5 percent in 2003. This was
significant relative to the Caribbean where the contribution of Fisheries to GDP was generally less than two
percent.

Farmed shrimp production in Belize is expected to remain fairly stable for the next two years. Shrimp farmers
have been hesitant to continue farm expansion over the past years and are examining options that would
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
ostensibly allow them to survive the current crisis. While improvements in shrimp farming technology are
expected to gradually lower production costs, with strong price declines such as those experienced in the past
years, farmers are in the process of reducing operational costs at the farm level and improving on production
per unit area over time.

The emerging interest to diversify the aquaculture sector has been in marine cage farming. Thus far, the
Fisheries Department along with other relevant regulatory agencies has reviewed two project proposals to
develop two commercial scale marine cage farming ventures (Dyer Aqua Belize Limited, and Marine Farms
Belize Limited). The species proposed for culture include the cobia (Rachycentron canadum) and the Florida
pompano (Trachinotus carolinus).

Although environmental concerns have been expressed in regards to the potential negative ecological and
social impacts of aquaculture, no formal assessments have been made. The farms have been developed behind
the mangrove zone, without negative impact on this sensible environment.
History and general overview

Aquaculture in Belize formally began in 1982 with the development of ten acres (4 ha) of experimental ponds
by a private company, in the southern part of the country. This initiative was designed to test certain primary
production functions of the whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei), such as growth rate, survival, and food
conversion ratios (FCR's).

The successes of this endeavor subsequently led to an expansion of the farm to a full-scale commercial venture.
Since that time, the industry has developed rapidly and has become firmly established as a significant
contributor to the Belizean economy in terms of foreign exchange earnings, income generation, employment,
nutrition, and food security. The growth performance of this aspect of the sector is reflected in the increase in
export production and revenues from 189 thousand pounds (86 tons) and Bz$ 1.8 million (US$ 900 thousand)
respectively in 1990 to 15.9 million pounds (7 227 tons) and Bz$ 91.8 million (US$ 45.9 million) respectively
in 2003.

In 2004, the volume of exported shrimp continued to increase in a significant way. Total farmed shrimp exports
were 16.86 million pounds (7 664 tons) valued at Bz$ 84.28 million (US$ 42.14 thousand), with an increase in
export volume of 5.6 percent. For this time period however, there was a decline of 8.2 percent in export value
when compared to the 2003 scenario. The downward trend in export value has been as a result of a continued
decline in global shrimp prices since 2000 due to increased volumes of shrimp by the Asian countries, at very
low and competitive prices.

With regard to the area devoted to shrimp farming in 2004, there were 6 888 acres (2 789 ha) under production
with fourteen farms in operation. This represents a 12.5 percent of the overall area under the tenureship of
shrimp farmers.

Apart from the culturing of the exotic white leg shrimp (Peneaus vannamei), the husbandry of other penaeid species
has also been attempted in Belize. These include the exotic Pacific blue shrimp (Penaeus stylirostris), the exotic
giant tiger prawn of South-east Asia (Penaeus monodon), and the indigenous caribbean white shrimp (Penaeus
schmitti). The culturing of these species had been attempted in the earlier phases of development of the industry.
These trials however did not measure up to the expectations of producers and had been consequently
abandoned.

Although aquaculture in Belize has been almost exclusively based on the farming of penaeid shrimps, the
culture of other species has been attempted. These include the husbandry of: the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus
), the freshwater Australian red claw lobster (Cherax quadricarinatus), the redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), and a number of
African Rift Lake ornamental finfish species such as Haplochromis spp., Labeochromis spp., Melanochromis spp.,
Tropheus spp., Psuedotropheus spp. and Awlenocara spp. The culture of these species had also met with commercial
failure, except for the Nile tilapia, which is mainly cultured at commercial scale.
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
Fresh Catch Belize Limited, the only commercial-oriented tilapia fish farming operation was formally
inaugurated in December 2002. The facility has developed 150 acres of acres (60.7 ha) of production ponds.
These facilities have a production capacity of 4 000 tons per annum with estimated annual revenues over Bz$
12 million (US$ 6 Million). Since May 2004, tilapia exports from Belize have been exclusively to the U.S.
market. In 2004, tilapia fillet exports were 215 880 pounds (98.1 tons) valued at Bz$ 1.1 million (US$ 550
thousand).

Fresh Catch Belize Limited is based on the production of red tilapia, O. niloticus, O. mossambicus and O. aureus
hybrids only for the whole fish market and red tilapia hybrids for the fillet market. The farm is vertically
integrated with production ponds, nursery systems, hatchery and processing facilities.

Apart from large-scale tilapia culture, the husbandry of a number of indigenous finfish cichlid species has also
been undertaken over the last 3 to 4 years, on a small-scale experimental basis. There are currently over fifteen
acres of small-scale fish farming operations involved in the husbandry of a number of native finfish cichlids,
such as the bay snook (Petenia splendida), the crana (Cichlasoma uropthalmus) and the tuba (Cichlasoma synspilum), as well
as the introduced or exotic Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A number of other species have also been proposed
for culture in Belize in the short-, to medium-term future.

The emerging interest to diversify the aquaculture sector has been in the area of commercial-oriented marine
cage farming. Thus far, the Fisheries Department along with the other relevant agencies has reviewed two
project proposals to develop two commercial scale marine cage farming ventures (Dyer Aqua Belize Limited &
Marine Farms Belize Limited) near the Robinson Point area along the inner barrier reef lagoon. The species
proposed for culture include cobia (Rachycentron canadum) and the Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) which are
found widely distributed in the Caribbean Sea. The project proponents have already received environmental
clearance and signed the Environmental Compliance Plan, pending final approval with regards to the lease
agreement for the proposed area of culture from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Human resources

Of the fourteen farms operational in 2004, at least four farms are owned by foreigners. The remaining farms are
owned by local investors or in few instances those farms are joint ventures between Belizeans and foreign
nationals.

Shrimp farming has also made significant contributions to the development of Belize in relation to employment
and income generation, especially in rural communities. Aquaculture currently provides full-time employment
for approximately 853 permanent or full-time employees, and approximately 206 temporary or seasonal
workers. The number of employees at the farm level is expected to remain fairly stable during the next two
years.

Full-time workers are generally associated with the husbandry and management aspects of aquaculture,
whereas the temporary staff is almost exclusively involved with the processing aspects of the operation. Most
of the processing workers are females originating from the rural communities where unemployment levels are
high and poverty is greatest.

In general there is one permanent full-time field production staff for every 25 acres under production. There are
roughly 275 husbandry technicians associated with the 6 888 acres of production ponds that are currently in
operation. Direct employment opportunities are also associated with the farm-based support services, such as
the hatchery operations and processing plants.

Another factor that is important to the development of aquaculture is the availability of a well-trained pool of
expertise. Although Belize is not currently noted for having a well-trained cadre of aquaculture professionals,
the relatively high literacy rate of the general population bodes well for the availability of a trainable workforce.

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department

The accomplishments of a fairly good secondary school system and rapidly developing institutions of higher
learning, such as the University of Belize (UB) and Galen University, are of positive implication in addressing
the educational needs of the Industry. Although no formal assessments have been undertaken in regard to the
economic impacts of aquaculture on the general ancillary services, it would be reasonable to assume that from
the sheer volume of export earnings, the industry has positively and significantly impacted the full range of
support services. These include customs brokerage, mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance services,
refrigeration installation and maintenance services, trucking, shipping and air freight services, as well as
processing, packaging and marketing services.

Farming systems distribution and characteristics

The fourteen shrimp farms operational are all located on the lower coastal plain of mainland Belize. The two
northern-most of these farms (Nova Ladyville Shrimp Farm, Caribbean Shrimp Farm) are located in the
Ladyville area, just north-east of the PSW Goldson International Airport. There are three shrimp farms (Crown
Shrimp Limited, Paradise Shrimp Farm, Melinda Mariculture Limited) located between the Coastal Road and
Dangriga area. There are two shrimp farms (Triton Mariculture, Haney's Shrimp Farm) situated between
Dangriga and Riversdale. There are another four farms (Belize Aquaculture Limited, Royal Mayan Shrimp
Farm, Texmar Shrimp Farm, Crustaceans Shrimp Farm) located between Riversdale and the lower reaches of
the Placencia Lagoon. Three of these farms (Aquamar Shrimp Farm, Nova Toledo Shrimp Farm, Toledo Fish
Farm) are also located in the Big Creek/Monkey River area.

A number of the shrimp farms in Belize are vertically integrated with ancillary facilities and services In this
regard, most of the larger enterprises have processing plants and hatchery facilities on-site (with the production
pond operations).

In 2004, there were four fully integrated shrimp hatcheries in operation in Belize. These hatcheries had a
combined monthly production capacities of 215 million Post larvae (PL's). This capacity is in excess of the
current demand of 950 million PL's per year. The hatcheries have all adopted a strategy for the production of
"Specific Pathogen Resistance" seedstocks (SPR) to combat the Taura Syndrome Virus infestations which
have impacted the industry since late 2000 to present. This has resulted in improved growth rates and survival
of stocks, and higher yields per production unit over the past years.

There are currently four processing plants in operation in Belize with a combined processing capacity of 190
thousand pounds (86 tons) of heads-on shrimp per day. These processing facilities are currently meeting the
demands of the industry. Three of the four processing facilities have been certified by the Belize Agricultural
Health Authority to export shrimp to the EU market. Over the previous years, the main market destination for
Belizean farmed shrimp has been the U.S. market.

Cultured species

In Belize, the aquaculture industry is primarily based on the production of the white leg shrimp (Peneaus
vannamei). The growth performance of this aspect of the sector is reflected in the increase in export production
and revenues from 189 thousand pounds (86 tons) and Bz$ 1.8 million (US$ 900 thousand) respectively in
1990 to 15.9 million pounds (7 227 tons) and Bz$ 91.8 million (US$ 45.9 million) respectively in 2003. In
2004, the volume of exported shrimp continued to increase in a significant way. Total farmed shrimp exports
were 16.86 million pounds (7 664 tons) valued at Bz$ 84.28 million (US$ 42.14 million).

Apart from the contributions of farmed shrimp to the Belizean economy, the commercial farming and export of
tilapia to the US market is expected to make significant contributions in terms of foreign exchange earnings in
the near future. These facilities should have a production capacity of 4 000 tons per annum with estimated
annual revenues over Bz$ 12 million (US$ 6 million). Since May 2004, tilapia exports from Belize have been
exclusively to the U.S. market. In 2004, tilapia fillet exports were 215 880 pounds (98.1 tons) valued at Bz$
1.1 million (US$ 550 thousand). Reported whole fish production for 2004 by Fresh Catch Belize Limited was
850 000 pounds (386 tons).
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
Aquaculture in Belize formally began in 1982 with the development of ten (10) acres (4 ha) of experimental
ponds by a private company, in the south of the Country. This initiative was designed to test certain primary
production functions of the whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei), such as growth rate, survival, and food
conversion ratios (FCR's).

The first stocks of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for aquaculture were introduced to Belize in 1995 by Cherax
Belize Limited. The farm experienced commercial failures during the latter part of 1997 and abandoned the
project. It was not until the earlier part of 2000 that red hybrid strains of tilapia were introduced from Taiwan
for commercial experimentation by Beaver Dam Aquaculture Farm.

Again, in October 2002, Fresh Catch Belize Limited - a commercial oriented venture, introduced tilapia
hybrids from Israel. This includes the ND-21 Silver Hybrid (Oreochromis niloticus X Oreochromis aureus), ND-56 Red
Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The ND-21 is currently utilized for the fillet market and the Nd-56 for the whole
fish market. Exports from Belize to the US market were initiated in May 2004.

In addition to the farming of shrimp and tilapia, other trials were conducted in the past with the Australian red
claw lobster (Cherax quadricarinatus), the redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), and a number of African Rift Lake ornamental
finfish species such as Haplochromis sp., Labeochromis sp., Melanochromis sp., Tropheus sp., Psuedotropheus sp. and
Awlenocara sp. The culturing of these species had also met with commercial failure.

With regards to genetically improved species in the aquaculture industry, there are currently no genetically
improved stocks in the country. The only other work implemented in Belize has been the adoption of a
program for the selection and the production of "Specific Pathogen Resistance" seedstocks (SPR) against the
Taura Syndrome Virus infestation that has remained in the country since mid-2000.

Practices/systems of culture

There were fourteen shrimp farms operational in Belize at the end of 2004. These farms were utilizing four
distinct husbandry systems. These were:

Semi-intensive farming systems with stocking densities of 100 000 Pl's per acre (250 thousand PL's per
ha), and realizing yields of 1 800 lbs/Acre/Crop (2 000 Kg/ha/Crop) of shrimp tails - these systems were
based on a single extended crop per year lasting up to nine (9) months, with a single initial stocking of
seedstocks, followed a series of three (3) or four (4) intermittent harvests punctuated by a final harvest of
relatively large shrimps (20 - 25g);
Semi-intensive farming systems with lower stocking densities of 49 000 Pl's per Acre (120 thousand
PL's per ha), realizing yields of 1 100 lbs/Acre/Crop (1 200 Kg/ha/Crop) of shrimp tails - these systems
were based on two (2) crops per year with each cycle lasting four (4) to five (5) months with a single
harvest per cycle, and with the size range of harvested shrimps being medium to large (15 - 18g);
Intensive farming systems with one stocking and one harvest per cycle after four to five months -
stocking densities were 240 000 Pl's per Acre (590 thousand PL's per ha) with yields of 4 500
lbs/Acre/Crop (5 000 Kg/ha/Crop) of shrimp tails, and harvested shrimps being in the medium to large
size classes (15 - 18g): The system is also dependent on supplemental or artificial aeration and is
structured around 2 crop cycles per year;
Super-intensive farming systems with one stocking and one harvest per cycle after four to five months -
Stocking densities were 500 000 Pl's per acre (1 235 million PL's per ha) with yields of 9 700
lbs/Acre/Crop (10 890 Kg/ha/Crop) of shrimp tails and harvested shrimp being in the medium to large
size classes (15 - 18g), the system is based on re-circulation technology with a diminished demand for
water, and little or no immediate effluents: the system also relies heavily on artificial aeration.

Fresh Catch Belize Limited, the only commercial tilapia farming facility in Belize, utilized a semi-intensive
farming system with one nursery and two different grow out stages. These were:
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
 Nursery Phase: Stocking density of 40 pcs/m2 with crop cycle of 120 days and harvest weight of 100-
120 grams.
Growout Phase I: Stocking density of 13 pcs/m2 with crop cycle of 120 days and harvest weight of 350
grams.
Growout Phase II: Stocking density of 4 pcs/m2 with crop cycle of 120 days and harvest weight of 850
grams.

Sector performance

Production

The graph below shows total aquaculture production in Belize according to FAO statistics:

Market and trade

Most of the aquaculture products namely shrimp and tilapia have been destined for the export market, mainly in
the United States of America. Approximately 3-5 percent of the total production is traded locally, especially in
restaurants, hotels and supermarkets. Most of this product is consumed by the tourism sector. There are
currently no records on the volume of shrimp and tilapia traded locally.

Tilapia exports to the US market were exclusively fillets. Shrimps are exported as tails, peeled & deveined
(PD), peeled & undeveined (PUD), butterfly shrimp, individually quick frozen (IQF), head-on and shell-on.
Some exports of whole farmed shrimp have also been sent to Mexico in the form of fresh chilled.

With regards to the labeling and certification of aquaculture produce, the mandate lies within the Belize
Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). BAHA is responsible in issuing export permits as well as the HACCP
certification and inspection of aquaculture facilities in Belize.

E.U. markets were opened for Belize after the processing plant HACCP certification program was
implemented by BAHA. In 2004, three of the four processing facilities have been certified by BAHA for
exporting to the E.U. market (Nova Shrimp Farm, Aquamar Belize Limited and Belize Aquaculture Limited).
Nova Shrimp Farm has been registered over the past three years under the Aquaculture Certification Council
program which certifies responsible aquaculture production practices and food safety at shrimp farms,
processing plants, and other aquaculture facilities in a process-oriented certification for seafood buyers. The
program is visually represented by limited use of a "Best Aquaculture Practices" certification mark.

Contribution to the economy

The Fisheries Department currently operates the only small-scale freshwater fish hatchery to accommodate the
development of small-scale fish farming in Belize. The main species cultured at the facility include the tilapia
and other native freshwater cichlids, namely the 'baysnook' (Petenia splendida), 'tuba' (Cichlasoma synpilum) and the
'crana' (Cihclasoma uropthalmus). The trials with the native cichlids however have been unsuccessful due to the
poor performance with regards to the slow growth rates. Great emphasis is thus been made with the farming of
tilapia on a small-scale in Belize.

The only small-scale aquaculture activity is Belize is the farming of various fresh water cichlids, including the
exotic tilapia. There are currently fifteen acres of small-scale freshwater aquaculture fish farming under
production in Belize. Most of these farms are located along the rural communities. All the fish produced by
these farmers is used for family consumption with small sales within the community. It is estimated that more
than five hundred family members benefit from this initiative, mostly by direct fish consumption. It is
envisioned that this sector will expand rapidly in the near future, thus providing a source of income generation,
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
fish consumption and as a source of nutrient in the diet of poor rural communities.

Promotion and management of the sector

The institutional framework

Aquaculture operations in Belize have to go through a vetting process with the National Environmental
Appraisal Committee (NEAC) prior to implementation as part of the permitting requirements. The NEAC is
comprised of various regulatory Government and non-government organizations, such as the Fisheries
Department, Department of the Environment, Forest Department, Lands and Surveys Department, Public
Health Bureau, Coastal Zone Management Institute, Hydrology Department, Agriculture Department, Belize
Audubon Society, Housing & Planning Department and the Institute of Archeology. Of the NEAC members
mentioned above, not all of them are regulatory institutions in relation to the aquaculture sector, but are also
part of the process in providing recommendations.

The institutions involved in the regulatory aspects of the aquaculture industry in Belize are an indicator of the
level of commitment of the Government of Belize (GOB). These institutions can be divided into two major
groups:

Those directly associated with assisting the production process.

Those obliquely or indirectly associated with this process.

In relation to those institutions immediately associated with assisting the production process - the Fisheries
Department is viewed as the regulatory institution with the technical leadership to oversee the development of
the industry. The functions of the Department include: the derivation of national policies and legislation to
guide the development of the industry, the administration of farming permits or licenses, the rendering of
technical advice to farmers and potential farmers, and environmental and compliance monitoring, and the
enforcement of pertinent laws.

The Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMA/I) has been charged with the coordination of
management efforts in regard to coastal resources. The CZMA/I is also involved with environmental
monitoring, in particular water quality monitoring, and issues of zoning for the industry.

The Department of the Environment (DOE) has been charged with the regulatory leadership of the EIA
(Environmental Impact Assessment) process, and is conceptually mandated to safeguard and sustain the
integrity of the environment.

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) is in the concluding phase of consolidating and
strengthening the inspection and certification functions for fishery and aquaculture products. These functions
were formerly under the legislative mandate of the Fisheries Department.

The Lands and Survey Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources is charged with the oversight
responsibilities for land tenure ship. This includes the leasing of national lands, and enacting and enforcing
legislation governing land tenureship.The GOB (Government of Belize) institutions that are not directly
involved in accommodating the aquaculture production process include the Office of Petroleum and Geology,
and the Ministry of Economic Development.

The Office of Petroleum and Geology has extended its mandate to include "earth movement" in regard to pond
construction. This organization has in effect become a permitting agency, since there is a need for aquaculture
operations to obtain either a Quarry Permit, or a Mining License before they can proceed with pond
construction activities.

The Ministry of Economic Development is involved with the permitting process in regard to applications for
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
development incentives. This includes provisions for the exemption of import duties and taxes under the Fiscal
Incentives Act, Chapter 54 - Revised Edition 2000, as well as the Export Processing Zone Act, Chapter 280 -
Revised Edition 2000.

The Private Sector

All commercial aquaculture production activities are in the hands of the Private Sector. After some vacillation
in the mid-, and late-1990s, a Shrimp Farmers Association was formed in Belize in mid-2000. The Association
has a broad mandate that is to conceptually attend all issues relating to the interest and livelihood of the shrimp
farmers.

The NGO Community

The participation of the NGO Community in issues of aquaculture development is limited to the conservation-
oriented NGO's. The involvement of these NGO's with issues relating to shrimp farming or other aspects of
aquaculture has been relatively limited. The most significant intervention of the conservation-oriented NGO's
was by the Belize Audubon Society (BAS) in the early-1990s in regard to the impacts of shrimp farming on
waterfowl, and in more recent times the probable impacts of Tilapia on the ecology of the Crooked Tree
Lagoon.

The NGO Community has expressed no known concerns with regards to the social impacts of shrimp farming,
or other forms of aquaculture.
The governing regulations

Legislation relevant to the development of aquaculture in Belize may be divided in two major groups:

1. Those immediately referring to, or alluding to the aquaculture production process and/or it impacts on the
environment.
2. Those affecting aquaculture development, but not directly connected to the production process.

In relation to legislation immediately related to the aquaculture production process - the Principal Fisheries
Ordinance or Act, Chapter 210 of the Laws of Belize, Sec. 2 of the 1972 Amendment stipulates that
"commercial fishing means the taking, capturing, selling, breeding, or producing of any fish".

The Principal Fisheries Act also inferentially alludes to the need for operators of aquaculture enterprises to
obtain a license, as stated in Section 7 which reads: "no person shall engage in commercial fishing...unless he is
the holder of a valid fisherman license...".

The enabling Regulations S.I. 66 of 1977, Sec. 56 to 127, makes extensive provisions for the quality assurance
aspects of fishery products, which inferentially includes those from the aquaculture operations. The recent S.I.
66 of 2002 (Table G to J) makes provisions for fees in relation to the license for conducting aquaculture
operations as well as to operate a processing plant. Section G1 of the same S.I. also provides the form in which
such application should be submitted to the Fisheries Department.

The other set of legislation directly related to the aquaculture production process or its impacts on the
environment are the environmental legislation. These include the Principal Environmental Protection Act (S.I.
22 of 1992), and the enabling Regulations, S.I. 94 of 1995 and S.I. 107 of 1995.

The Principal Environmental Act empowers the Minister to: "make regulations prescribing the types of
projects, programs, or activities for which an EIA is required and prescribing the procedures, content,
guidelines and other matters relevant to such assessment". These arrangements have been concretized in the
EIA Regulations (S.I. 107 of 1995) which stipulates that: "development of over 500 Acres of National lands,
as well as major watersheds and coastal water-works, requires a full EIA". There are inherent weaknesses in
these provisions, for example there may be a major aquaculture project sited in an inland locale exceeding 500
acres that is not on national lands but on "free hold" land or private property - conversely there may be a major
aquaculture development project located on less than 500 acres of national lands, particularly in relation to the
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
aquaculture development project located on less than 500 acres of national lands, particularly in relation to the
more intensive forms of aquaculture, that would have major impacts on the environment.

The Effluent Limitation Regulations (S.I. 94 of 1995) allows the Minister to: "order the installation of treatment
facilities for effluents, set limitations on effluent parameters, ensure monitoring of both effluent quality and the
conditions of the effluent system and approve point(s) of discharge". These Regulations also restrict the
discharge of effluents on open land.

The major weakness of this Regulation (S.I. 94 of 1995) is that there are no effluent limitations pertaining to, or
specific to aquaculture production activities.

Pertinent legislations immediately relevant to aquaculture production also include the Land Utilization Act of
1981. This legislation governs the use of land and makes provisions for conservation measures.

Relevant also is the 1992 National Lands Act, Sec. 9(4) which prescribes that: "the leasee must submit an EIA
for developments over 500 Acres". The Minister may at his own discretion also prescribe an EIA for
developments of less than 500 Acres.

The lease agreement in relation to this legislation obligates the leasee to take measures to avoid pollution, not
obstruct natural drainage and makes allowance for monitoring by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Cooperatives, and other GOB agencies.

Under the Alien Landholding Act, Chap. 144 of the 1992 National Lands Act, the leasee must obtain a license
from the Minister for permission to develop greater than 10 acres of rural land. In general licensing conditions
are then developed that may include environment-related issues.

Legislation not immediately related to aquaculture production activities includes: the Mines and Mineral Act,
the Development Incentives Act, the Fiscal Incentives Industrial Enterprises Act and the Export Processing
Zone Act.

The Mines and Mineral Act, No. 14 of 1988, and the Safety, Health and Environment Regulation S.I. 33 of
1994 stipulates the need to obtain either a Quarry Permit or Mining License, depending on the volume of
material in question, to extract and redistribute minerals. This stipulation has been extended to include
aquaculture in its application.

The Fiscal Incentives Act, Chap. 54 of the Laws of Belize and the Export Processing Zone Act, Chap. 280 of
the Laws of Belize - provide varying degrees of incentive in the form of exemptions from various duties and
taxes.

Applied research, education and training

There are currently no research activities undergoing at the aquaculture facilities in Belize, as well as no formal
training in aquaculture at technical schools or University.

Although Belize is not currently noted for having a well-trained cadre of aquaculture professionals, the
relatively high literacy rate of the general population bodes well for the availability of a trainable workforce.
There is no formal training in aquaculture in the educational institutions in Belize.

The accomplishments of a fairly good secondary school system and rapidly developing institutions of higher
learning, such as the University of Belize (UB) and Galen University, are of positive implication in addressing
the future educational needs of the Industry.

Trends, issues and development

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
Shrimp farming, like other livestock and crop agriculture enterprises in Belize, has gone through a process of
succession in which the lack of material resources, finances, trained human resources, and support services
such as building construction, electrical repair, air conditioning installation and automotive maintenance
services in the early phases of the industry, has evolved into a situation where much of these inputs are
currently in place. In assessing the level of development of aquaculture in a particular country or region, Prieto
(1987) has theorized that aquaculture goes through definitive stages of succession, which may be classified as:

Stage I - no development.
Stage II -prior to development.
Stage III -the beginning of development.
Stage IV -accelerated development.
Stage V -immature development.
Stage VI -mature development.

In Belize shrimp farming is at a transition between Stage IV (accelerated development) and Stage V (immature
development) - where the development of aquaculture is accelerated as a result of the activities of producers
and institutions, and where production is predominantly oriented to the generation of income.

At this stage of development public sector programs to assist the development of aquaculture are not entirely
focused, and shortage of trained personnel is the main constraint to institutionalizing the services and
development of the industry.

For shrimp farming to succeed to the stage of 'mature development', where it is self-sufficient at an advanced
technological level and external assistance or aid from donor agencies is not required - it is necessary to
synthesize and implement a definitive and comprehensive development plan for the sector.

The most significant policy response to date has been in relation to a 'policy paper' generated by the
Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries Unit of the Fisheries Department in late 2002, and the CZMA/Fisheries
Department-led initiative in which a consultant was recruited in mid-2002 to develop a National Aquaculture
Policy. In relation to the latter, after going through public consultation, the final document was submitted to the
Fisheries Department during the first quarter of 2004 for onward submission and approval at the Ministerial
level.

The policy responses have dealt with: disease management, aquatic pollution, the movement of exotic species,
education and training, diversification of the shrimp farming industry, and the integration of small-, and
medium-scale producers in shrimp farming, tilapia farming and other aspects of aquaculture.

Another Fisheries led initiative has been the development of a draft Aquaculture Act & Regulations in mid-
2004 which is pending public consultation and then further endorsement at the Ministerial level. At this
juncture, the draft document has gone through the process of consultation with the relevant regulatory
institutions such as the Department of Lands, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority and the Department of
the Environment.

References

Bibliography

FAO publications related to aquaculture for Belize.

Belize Fisheries Department. 2001 . Fisheries Statistical Report, (unpublished).
Belize Fisheries Department. 2003 .Fisheries Statistical Report, (unpublished).
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
Dixon, H. & Dorado, J.1995 .Managing Taura Syndrom Virus in Belize - A case study, 16 p., (unpublished).
Huntington, T. & Dixon, H. 1997 .A review of the environmental impact of aquaculture in Belize and
guidelines for sustainable development. Final report by MacAlister Elliot Partners. Belize City, Government of
Belize, GEF/UNDP.
Myvett, G. & Quintana, R. 2001 . The status of aquaculture in Belize 50 p., (unpublished).
Myvett, G. & Quintana, R. 2002 . The status of aquaculture in Belize 64 p., (unpublished).

Related links

Aquaculture Certification Council

Central Statistical Office – Belize
FAO FishStatJ – Universal software for fishery statistical time series
Network of Aquaculture Centre in Asia-Pacific Region
World Aquaculture Society

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department