The Queen Conch fishery closed

The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs all fishers and the General Public that in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2012, the Honorable Gaspar Vega, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development will declare the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) fishery closed at the close of business on June 24th, 2016.
The fishing community is advised that all conch fishing activities shall cease as of this date until the opening of the next fishing season on 1st October, 2016.
The Belize Fisheries Department further advises Restauranteurs and the General Public to use, consume and dispose of all Queen Conch meat in their possession on or before June 24th, 2016. Any person or establishment found in possession of the Queen Conch meat after Friday June 24th , 2016 will be charged and prosecuted in a Court of Law in accordance to the Fisheries Regulations.
The Fisheries Department advises the General Public to report any illegal fisheries activity by calling telephone numbers: 224-4552 or 223-2623.