Belize s Fisheries Act

Transcription

1 Belize s Fisheries Act Presented by Lyndon Rodney Fisheries Inspector & Julio Maaz Wildlife Conservation Society, Community Coordinator

2 By the end of this session the Fishers fellow will be knowledgeable of the general scope of the Act and, in particular, able to find and understand the sections of the Act that authorize the powers of officers, the provisions for marine reserves, fines and penalties, and the regulation making powers.

3 Importance of Laws: 1) Defending us from evil 2) Promoting the common good 3) Resolving disputes over limited resources 4) Encouraging people to do the right thing

4 CHAPTER 210 Fisheries Act Fisheries Act was enacted in 1948 and last revised in 1989, and The Belize Fishing Industry is governed by the Fisheries Act, Chapter 210 of the Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2000.

5 What is the difference between an Act and the Regulations? An Act is a law passed by a legislative body ( whole House of Representatives), and may designate an administrative agency of government to implement its provisions. A regulation is a more specific description of what the designated administrative body requires as a means of implementing the Act or obtaining compliance with the Act. (signed by the Minister responsible for the implementation of an Act) A regulation generally has the force of law, unless it is found to reach beyond the authority granted to the administrative body by the legislative body that passed the Act in the first place.

6 Fisheries Act 1. Short title. ( Name given to the Act by which it is officially referred to) 2. Interpretation. ( sections of definitions of terms used in the act ) 3. Application of the Act. ( Scope where the act is being applied ) 4. Appointment of officers. ( Defines the authority of the Minister to appoint officers to enforce the Act) ( here the training office can ask participants to answer who can enforce the Act) 5. Powers of officers. (this section describes what officers can do to carry out their mandate)

7 6. Prohibition of commercial fishing, etc., without a boat licence. 7. Prohibition of commercial fishing without a personal licence. 8. Prohibition of certain scientific or research operations without a permit. 9. Prohibition of export, etc., without a licence. 10. Offences and penalties. 11. Use of poison or explosives.

8 12. Inspection, seizure and forfeit use of nets. 13. Regulations. 14. Marine reserve 15. Penalty for breach of regulations. 16. Protection of officers and agents from personal liability. 17. Certificate as to identity or species of fish to be admissible.

9 Fisheries Act Fisheries Act of Belize is Chapter 210 of the Laws of Belize Revised Edition Enacted in 1948 and last amended in Act is very old and outdated. Currently under revision

10 Fisheries Resources Bill Compliant with international Laws Principles of Ecosystems management and precautionary approach used Establishes Advisory Council Provides for Co management agreements by Law Strengthens Marine Reserves Provides for Managed Access in areas both within and outside Marine Reserves Increased fines and penalties Provides for fisheries management plans Creates a transparent and accountable process for the implementation of regulations