BGFA Condemns Illegal Dredging inside Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Recreational fisheries are vital components of the economic and social fabric of nations like Belize, yet their future remains uncertain in the face of unsustainable coastal development. The recent illegal dredging and development within the conservation zone of Hol Chan Marine Reserve is one more insult to every Belizean in a long list of misguided and harmful development projects that proceed without due process, and without impunity.

HMCR’s Conservation Zone

Hol Chan Marine Reserve was established as the first marine protected area in Belize, in July 1987. As of 2025, the reserve now consists of eight zones of regulated extractive and non-extractive uses, effectively making HCMR 6X larger.

The stakeholders of the multimillion-dollar fisheries sector of the Northern Cayes and across the country depend daily on the myriad of benefits associated tourism activities bring to communities such as lodging, food, transport, and other provisions. But beyond monetary value, our marine ecosystems — the tidal flats, blue water, and reef ecosystems — hold inherent value for their biodiversity, simply by their mere existence.

It’s why the Belize Game Fish Association (BGFA) stands firmly behind the anglers, guides, conservationists, and co-managers in opposition of unsustainable coastal development projects that threaten our Blue Economy.

Following today’s peaceful but powerful protest at Cayo Rosario with 50+ boats and the scheduled meeting with developers on 26/3, the BGFA eagerly awaits the next steps by the proper authorities to ensure the meaningful protection of our Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), livelihoods, crucial habitats, and more.

All images courtesy of Dioni Marin Photography.