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#90847 08/20/04 10:02 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,733
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This is a continuation from the topic "beach muggins" that I think is worth further discussion.

When I first came to San Pedro the locals lived off of what they caught in the sea and nothing was off base. They ate manatee, turtle and anything else they thought would taste good. Lobster season was considered closed only for commercial fishing. If you wanted lobster to eat for your family, you caught it whenever. Well, times change and the pressure put on resources require change and new attitudes.

Catch and eat was the moto until visiting fishermen started to hire guides and promote catch and release. Tourist come and want to do good for the people. They bring gifts and donate to causes. Well, you can do a lot of good and it does not cost any extra by insuring that the guide you hire obeys the law, that you are not paying him to break it. The people of Belize are very hospitable and want to make sure you enjoy yourself and, coming from old beliefs, may revert to those old ways of doing things to insure you enjoy yourself. You must take into consideration that the changes needed in these attitudes are a direct result from the increased pressure put on the resources due to more tourists coming. That puts responsibility on the tourist.

I would consider the tourist that allows his hired guide to break the law to be equally, no I would say more responsible for the breaking of the law. You are paying him to do what you are asking. You have every right to tell him exactly what you expect from him.

We visitors to Belize have created opportunities for Belizeans. We have also created problems and increased demand on fragile resources. It does not take much for us to do our part to insure that the laws to protect those resources are not broken for our benefit.

#90848 08/20/04 11:05 AM
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,035
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Also if you are pretty and single-one should always consider taking Pedro1 out for dinner.

#90849 08/20/04 11:34 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 591
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I agree BW. You're right...and I was wrong. It's bothered me a great deal since then and it was simply an act of greed on my part, sad but true. He made the offer and we accepted. I'll do what I can to make up for it, but the lobsters are gone. If you have a suggestion, I'm open.

The only reason I noted it was that I am a conservationist (catch and release) fisherman. This is the only time that I ever violated a fishing conservation law. We eat what we keep and I even agonize over the stripers that are left to die by uncaring clients and less-reputable guides on my Arkanas lake just down the road from you (Beaver).

I was wrong. I shouldn't have allowed it. I never will again. And I hope others learn from my lesson.

Unfortunately yes, it was Bicho. I seriously doubt his business will suffer from this and I understand that he's working to support his family. He does his job well and got us on the fish on a less-than-stellar day. So be it.


* I Go Pogo *
#90850 08/20/04 12:26 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,733
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I think the positive side of this is how others can use this example to help change attitudes and do good for the country we so much enjoy as visitors. As I said, I think the attitude of many San Pedranos is to insure the tourist has as good a time as they can show them. Their hearts are in the right place. We must just try and not use that to the wrong purpose.

#90851 08/20/04 12:32 PM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,133
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Pedro1 - how about lunch instead laugh


Gela's AC Motto: "All Roads Used to Lead to BC's - Now They Lead to Hurricane's!"
#90852 08/21/04 02:16 PM
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 18
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I am a new member but have been reading (evesdroping) for months. We will be arriving in 35 days & have been looking forward to one of Bicho's fishing BBQs. So, does all this mean that we should use another guide?Please help this fa'nugie to do the right & proper thing. Thanks.

#90853 08/21/04 02:25 PM
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 8,868
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There are many fine licensed guides to choose from.

#90854 08/21/04 03:35 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 591
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I wouldn't let this stop you from using Bicho. He knows what he's doing and, from what I can tell, does a great job to make people happy.

Just don't be a party, as I was, to breaking the law. I'm sure he won't if you explain your desires to him.

There are lots of guides, most of them very good.


* I Go Pogo *
#90855 08/21/04 03:49 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,733
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Don't worry. Lobster is in season now. Just don't ask him to make conch ceviche. laugh

PS: and if you are happy with your day, give him a good tip for not breaking the law and let him know that is appreciated.


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