Belize joins Caribbean countries to celebrate Caribbean Fisherfolk Day 2021

Belize: On the occasion of International Fisherman’s Day Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation of Belize joined Caribbean countries to celebrate Caribbean Fisherfolk Day. Notably, Caribbean Fisherfolk Day is being celebrated under the theme established by the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) titled “Better Care for a Better Share.” This celebration comes alongside the observation of CARICOM Week from June 28 to July 9, 2021, under the theme “I AM CARICOM.”Additionally, Fisherfolks play an important role in Belize as primary producers through fisheries production.As per the Belizean government, in 2020, there were a total of 3,188 licensed fishers and 871 licensed fishing vessels engaged in small-scale commercial fishing. Moreover, the capture fisheries sector provided approximately US$17.25 million in export earnings in 2020. The coronavirus pandemic has further highlighted the importance of fisherfolks and fisheries where it has been able to sustain economic and employment opportunities for fishers during this very difficult time.  Ministry further noted that fishers are stewards of our fisheries resources, so they tried to encourage all fishers to embrace this year’s theme ‘“Better Care for a Better Share.” The sustainability of the fisheries resources in Belize highly depends on the responsible stewardship of the resources by fisherfolks, and it is in this spirit that fishers are encouraged to take care of the fisheries resources, which in return will result in greater returns and economic benefits. Ministry of Belize added that they also take this opportunity to congratulate Ms Maria Allen, a fisherwoman from Caye Caulker, who is recognized as Fisher of the Year 2021.Due to the climatic changes, marine animals are decreasing day by day and due to that fisheries industry are declining day by day. In order to that, Caribbean countries are trying to boost this industry. For human survival, fishes played a crucial role, and it valued a lot in human survival.