Belize Flats Fishery Association

23/07/2026

This week, the Belize Flats Fishery Association (BFFA), together with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), is holding our annual workshop to plan the way forward for our association.

This Week, we’ll be discussing how the BFFA can continue to grow, how BTT can best support our mission, what our members would like to see in the future, and how we can strengthen our association for the benefit of Belize’s flats fishery.

We’re excited for the conversations ahead and the opportunities to build an even stronger future together. 🇧🇿🎣

23/07/2026

Last night, the BFFA met with fly fishing guides and stakeholders in San Pedro Town, and we believe it was a very successful meeting. We sincerely appreciate everyone who came out to share their concerns, ideas, and support. We have important work ahead, and we are proud to represent this community. Together, we do it for ourselves, our fisheries, and our Belize! 🇧🇿

18/07/2026

Calling all Fly Fishers and Guides in San Pedro! 🎣

Join us on Wednesday, July 22 to connect with the BFFA Board, President Eworth Garbutt, and guest speakers from Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT). We want to hear your thoughts, share updates, and work together to protect Belize’s flats fishery. We hope to see you there!

13/07/2026

The Belize Flats Fishery Association has received reports of dredging activity taking place on an island off the coast of Placencia.

We have reported these concerns to the Department of the Environment (DOE) and respectfully request that they investigate the matter as soon as possible to determine whether any environmental regulations have been violated.

Belize’s coastal and marine ecosystems are invaluable to our fisheries, tourism industry, and local communities. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any activities that may threaten these shared natural resources.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5xWb6PY78TQU21ZP9?g_st=ic

22/06/2026

🚨 Protected Species Found near Fish Traps in San Pedro 🚨

Today, June 22, 2026, one of our guides discovered the skinned remains of a permit (Trachinotus falcatus) within 1/4 miles of a fish trap located in the waters of San Pedro.

The permit is a protected species in Belize due to its immense ecological and economic importance to our flats fishery.

This species supports a world-renowned catch-and-release sport fishing industry that provides livelihoods for guides, businesses, and communities across the country.

The Belize Flats Fishery Association (BFFA) is notifying the Belize Fisheries Department of this incident and urges authorities to investigate.

We ask the public to help protect our fisheries. If you witness anyone catching, killing, selling, or possessing protected species such as permit, please report it to the Belize Fisheries Department and to the BFFA.

Protected species are protected for a reason. Their conservation is critical to the future of Belize’s flats fishery, sustainable tourism industry, and marine ecosystems.

Together, we can help ensure these iconic species remain part of Belize’s natural heritage for generations to come.

20/05/2026

San Pedro has been facing an alarming amount of dredging, mangrove clearance, unsustainable development and more. We stand with San Pedro and we are working to stop these activities and to protect our natural resources. If you see any clearing of mangrove, dredging, illegal dumping what ever it is send us a message and we will look into it and hopefully stop it. We are stronger when we come together!

19/05/2026

18/05/2026

The Belize Flats Fishery Association joins fellow organizations in calling for stronger enforcement of environmental laws, greater transparency in development approvals, and immediate protection of Belize’s mangroves, flats, reefs, and coastal habitats. Healthy marine ecosystems are essential to our fisheries, tourism industry, livelihoods, and the future of Belize.

30/04/2026

The Belize Flats Fishery Association was proud to be part of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Conference on Monday and Tuesday, sharing our love for Belize’s flats and raising awareness about the importance of this industry.

From conservation to community, we continue to highlight the value of our flats fishery and the people who depend on it.

Stronger together for Belize’s flats & fishing communities. 🌊🎣

22/04/2026

🌎 Happy Earth Day

Our Power, Our Planet.

Today is a reminder that what we protect today will determine what we have tomorrow. For Belize, our flats, mangroves, and coastal ecosystems are not just part of our environment, they are the foundation of our livelihoods, our culture, and our economy.

Our flats are home to species like bonefish, tarpon, and permit, supporting a world-class fishery that brings value to guides, families, and communities across the country. Our mangroves act as nurseries for marine life, protect our coastlines from erosion, and keep our waters healthy and productive.

When these ecosystems are damaged or lost, we don’t just lose nature, we lose opportunity, income, and a way of life that has supported generations.

Protecting our flats means advocating for responsible management, fair policies, and sustainable practices. It means standing up for the people who depend on these waters every day and ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities that we do.

At the Belize Flats Fishery Association, we remain committed to being a strong voice for our fishery, our guides, and our coastal communities. We must continue fighting for our ecosystems, because there is only one Earth, and it is our responsibility to protect it.

Protect our flats. Protect our future. 💙