The Coast Guard has made a major bust of illegal gillnets and fisheries products.  

They conducted operations in the area of Manatee Bar Mouth today and discovered three fishermen operating with expired fisher folk license. 

They had in their possession an assortment of nets; 3 of the nets exceeded a 1000 feet.

Of the three fishermen, one is a Belizean and the other two are originally from Guatemala with naturalization documents.

Several of the gill nets in their possession exceeded the legal limit.  Also discovered were 9 drums of marine product to include shark meat and other marine products. Several large coolers were also found with marine products.

An estimated value of over $40,000 of marine product were in their possession. The Coast Guard is currently working with the Fisheries Department, the Belize Port Authority and other stakeholders in processing this case.