Ambergris Caye Belize Resort Development - Department of ...

3.1.19 The Forest Act SI 213/2000
The protection of all mangroves fall under this Act via the Forest (Protection of Mangrove)
Regulations. Mangrove clearance may be permitted under this Act. In most cases a permit to
clear mangroves is issued after a multi-agency assessment is conducted. This Act includes the
establishment of Forest Reserves which may include mangroves, littoral forests and water
bodies. However, no specific regulations exist under this Act that address littoral forests. The
Forest Act is currently being revised.
The legislative basis for conservation of national lands within BCNP is defined by the Forest and
Wildlife Conservation Acts. The Forest Act provides for the protection and conservation of all
mangrove forests on both private and national lands, any alterations to which require evaluation
and permit by the Forestry Department.
3.1.20 Fisheries Act SI 210/2000
Under 6(1) of the Act, no person shall use or employ any boat in commercial fishing unless there
is in force in respect of such boat a “license to fish” issued under the provisions of any
regulations made under this Act. (7) No person shall engage in commercial fishing or be
engaged or employed in or on any boat while in use for commercial fishing unless he is the
holder of a valid “fisherman’s license” issued under the regulations made under this Act (2 of
1972).
(8) No person shall conduct or be engaged or employed in any scientific or research operations in
any water or waters to which this Act applies which involve the taking, killing or capturing of
any fish, or any interference or disturbances of fish, or with the seabed, unless there is in force in
respect of such operations a license granted under the regulations made under this Act (2 of
1972).
9.-(1) No person shall export, attempt to export or purchase with a view to export any fish unless
he is the holder of a valid fish exporter’s license issued under the regulations made under this
Act (2 of 1972,1 of 1983 &19 of 1989). Penalties for breach of the regulations are also included
in the Act.
The Fisheries Amendment Regulation also provides complete protection for the marine turtles of
Belize. This is aimed at bringing Belize in line with the Inter-American Convention for the
Protection and Conservation of Marine Turtles (IAC), which Belize ratified in February 2003,
these Regulations prohibit:
fishing in the waters of Belize or the purchase, sale or possession any marine turtle;
the take of any turtle found on land; the disturbance, take, purchase, sale or possession of
any turtle or turtle eggs; and the interference with any turtle nest, except under written
permission by the Fisheries Administrator; and
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