![]() | Green Reef study shows Grouper numbers declining - by Joe MillerEvery year, during the full moons of December and January, thousands of Nassau Grouper come together to spawn. Fishing during this time is so popular in Belize that it has diminished both the size and numbers of these fish.
Green Reef has put a plan in motion to quantify the problem through observation
of the aggregations, and measuring and weighing of fish actually caught. It was
my pleasure to be selected to go along as a photographer and observer to aid in
documenting this endeavor.
Fishermen are
especially rewarded with their catch this time of year. The fertile females
contain sacks of roe, or eggs, that sell for $6-8 per pound. The rest of the
fish sell in the market in Belize City for $2 per pound. The average daily catch
this year seemed to be about 300 pounds of fish with maybe 15-20 pounds of roe.
In effect, fishermen are rewarded not only for depleting the resources during a
vulnerable time, but for cashing in on the future, as well. No eggs to
fertilize...no fish next year. We Belizeans, both born and
naturalized, fully understand the value of a season for conch and lobster to
allow them to reproduce. Heavy fines are levied against those who take from our
future. Raise up your voices to help Green Reef lobby to put in a season for
Nassau Grouper. Surely we can work together to sustain this vital part our
fragile ecosystem-which brings in tourism dollars-while reaching a compromise
with the fishing industry. Thanks to Amigos del Mar,
Offshore Express and Turneffe Flats for logistical, transportation and emergency
support.
If you have a topic you would like featured in Reef Brief, or would just like to help us, please call 2833, or
|
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Copyright by Casado Internet Group, Belize |