Fisheries Department Office Operations and Services during COVID-19 State of Emergency

Belmopan. May 5, 2020. 11:45 a.m.

In conformity with the national state of emergency and guided by Statutory Instrument No. 65 of 2020 and Circular Memorandum No. 13 of 2020, the Fisheries Department will be implementing the following measures effective Wednesday, May 6, 2020:

1. No walk-ins will be allowed, except where these services may be considered critical. Public visitations will be allowed by appointment only.
2. Applications for renewals of fisher folk and vessel licenses will be processed as follows:
   a. Services will be provided to a maximum of 20 persons between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
   b. Applicants must call the Fisheries Department at 224-4552 to make an appointment.
   c. Renewal applicants must submit the following documents:
   i. Completed application form for renewal (available for download on the Facebook page of Fisheries Department and www.fisheries.gov.bz)
   ii. Copy of recent utility bill
   iii. Copy of a valid photo ID (social security, passport, or voter’s ID)
   iv. Expired 2019 license
   v. Valid Port Authority Certificate (only for vessel license renewals)
   d. No permits for minors will be issued.
3. Application for new fisherfolk license (new entrants):
   a. Applicants must submit the following documents:
   i. Completed application form for new entrants (available for download on the Facebook page of Fisheries Department and www.fisheries.gov.bz),
   ii. Copy of recent utility bill
   iii. Copy of a valid photo ID (social security, passport, or voter’s ID)
   iv. Recent 2×2 photo
   b. Full application must be submitted via e-mail or dropped off at the security booth of the Fisheries Department. The Department will inform applicants of the status of the application thereafter.
4. Applications for seafood permits are suspended until further notice.
5. Research permit applications will be received online only.
6. All packages should be dropped off at the security booth.
7. Office hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

The public is encouraged to submit their applications/queries online via the email addresses below for the following services:

The Fisheries Department thanks the public for its cooperation at this time and continues to encourage everyone to put precautionary measures in place to protect the health and safety of all. For additional updates, follow the Facebook Page of the Fisheries Department and website.

Ends     

For further information, please contact:

Belize Fisheries Department
Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment & Sustainable Development
Princess Margaret Drive, Belize City
Belize City main office: 224-4552; 223-2187; 203-2623
Punta Gorda office: 722-2662
Crime Stoppers Hotline: 922
Email: fisheries_department@fisheries.gov.bz
Website: www.fisheries.gov.bz