Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve

Flats Fishery Management & Sustainability Plan

Turneffe’s flats fishing stakeholders, key governmental agencies and international flats fishing experts have worked with the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve’s manaegment to develop the “Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve Flats Fishing Management and Sustainability Plan.” This landmark initiative, chaired by Turneffe Atoll Trust, provides a management structure for Turneffe’s flats fishery and offers concrete plans for sustaining it.

Read The Full Plan Here: Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve Flats Fishery Management & Sustainability Plan

Flats fishing is a key sector of Belize’s tourism economy. According to a 2022 economic analysis funded by Turneffe Atoll Trust, flats fishing generates BZ$240.6 million annually for Belize (approximately 6.7% of the country’s GDP) while providing 6,000 Belizean jobs.

Turneffe Atoll is one of Belize’s premier flats fishing destinations with extensive backreef flats, creeks, channels and two large lagoon systems. Anglers from around the world visit Turneffe seeking exceptional opportunities to fish for bonefish, permit, tarpon, and a variety of other species.

The Management & Sustainability Plan maps and prioritizing Turneffe’s essential flats fishing areas, assesses the sustainability of Turneffe’s fishery, reviews current regulatory functions, establishes flats fishing etiquette protocols, addresses potential conflicts with commercial fishing, and initiates efforts for better scientific understanding of the fishery. Most importantly, the Plan outlines concrete steps to protect the fisheries essential habitats.

While Belize is blessed with some of the world’s best flats fishing habitat, critical areas at Turneffe and throughout the country are threatened by dredging, over-water development and mangrove deforestation. Recognizing this, the Plan addresses threats to Turneffe’s fishery and develops concrete recommendations for ensuring the long-term viability its critically important habitats.

TASA and Flats Fishing Committee members hope that this Plan will serve as a model for other flats fisheries in Belize and globally.