Other Commodities and Natural Resource-Based Activities

Fisheries

The Fisheries Sector is a significant contributor to GDP generating approximately Bz$52.0 million(SIB 2008). The Capture Fisheries sector earned approximately Bz$22,400,000 primarily from the exportation of conch and lobster products. (5,171,100 and 17,232,000 respectively).The sector also provided direct employment to 2,110 fishers and over 123 plant personnel.

Capture Fisheries

In 2007, the overall fisheries production volume decreased by 6.0% from 570.4 tonnes (1,254,861.5 lbs) in 2006 to 534.6 tonnes (1,176,033.7 lbs) in 2007. The overall monetary value of the exports of the capture fishery commodities amounted to BZ$22,700,000. (SIB and Belize Fisheries Department 2008).

Belize’s main production in this sector are conch, lobster tail production, and shrimp.

Aquaculture Operations

Established since 2002, Fresh Catch Belize Limited is the only commercial-oriented tilapia farming operation. Fresh Catch has a capacity to produce 4,000 Metric Tons (MT) per annum with estimated annual revenues of over Bz$12 million. There are currently 140 acres under tilapia production and 150 acres (60.7 Ha) of production ponds have been developed. The production area for small-scale fresh water aquaculture is 15 acres with mostly tilapia species being farmed. Its major export markets are the US and Mexico.

Marine Farms Limited initiated harvesting of its cage cultured Cobia. Its current capacity is 500MT and was projected to export fish at a value of approximately US$6 million in 2008. The main export market is the US, particularly Miami with volumes of approximately 10,000 lbs exported weekly. Prospects to increase production to 5000MT are positive. By the end of 2007, the company employed over 30 people.