What are the Belizean Goverments' policies on commercial netting? I've been fishing in various parts of Belize three times and this latest time opened my eyes to some problems with netting of gamefish. Guides I was with out of PG mentioned that a lot of netting of bonefish goes on as well as in the rivers for Snook and Tarpon. While many Belizeans surely make a living harvesting these fish I believe that they may be more valuable to Belize as gamefish rather than on a restaurant menu or mixed into a "crab" salad. Omar Arceo from San Pedro mentioned to me that he occasionally runs across people netting schools of Permit which to me seems foolish as Belize is widely known for its fantastic Permit fishing to which I can attest. Obviously guides like Omar know how valuable these fish are and on the other hand the netting is an occupation for many. Wondering what the Gov has to say about it and about foreign (Guatemala, Honduras) nettting in Belize waters. I am also interested in finding out if there are any organizations that speak against netting of gamefish and what if anything does the Belizean Gov do about this. Down south netting seems to have had quite an effect. Thanks.

[This message has been edited by mrdrewsmith (edited 06-03-2000).]

These are very good questions which I haven't a clue as to a responsible answer. Ya might make your inquiry to Green reef here in San Pedro. They are up on all these issues.Good luck.