The flats and mangrove ecosystems that support Belize's thriving sportfishing industry are once again under threat — this time at Sandfly Caye in the south. And now, the Belize Flats Fishery Association is sounding the alarm and calling for urgent national intervention.
They say that dredging and excavation at Sandfly Caye threaten to irreversibly damage yet another fragile marine ecosystem.
The group says it is fed up with weak enforcement and unmonitored development — especially in areas critical to the flats fishery industry, which it values at 240 million dollars.
While they praised government efforts to acquire and protect Will Bauer Flats last year, they say continued violations — including the clearing of mangroves and unauthorized dredging — are undermining those gains and putting livelihoods at risk.
The BFFA is now demanding that government not only uphold its commitments under the Blue Bond but also take permanent action to protect sites like Cayo Rosario and immediately halt all works at Sandfly Caye.
In a strong closing statement, the group says it's not against development — but only if it's responsible, science-based, and community-informed. They're urging all NGOs and conservation groups to unite, warning that without decisive action, Belize could lose not just its flats — but a vital part of its natural and cultural heritage.
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