RSS| Aquafarming Export |
Being on the Caribbean coast, Belize is ideally located for easy access to the seafood markets of the US, Mexico and Europe. In addition, Belize has a tropical climate allowing for year-round production, wide-ranging environments for different types of culture methods, and the right combination of power for pumping water to the farms.
| Potentials of Aquaculture |
1) It has a politically stable Government engendered by long democratic traditions.
2) Tropical conditions allow for year-round culture activities
3) Water (both fresh and marine) is abundant and of good quality
4) Logistical advantages by virtue of geography, international status and language
5) Available labor at virtually all levels of aquaculture enterprises
6) Lucrative and competitive development incentives.
In 2001, estimated export earnings from farmed shrimp was BZ $46 million. This industry can be classified as being moderate scale yet expanding rapidly, and generating a significant amount of foreign exchange for the country. The productive sector of Belize invests its energy in export oriented enterprises; therefore, the Government of Belize retains a pro-investment policy concerning aquaculture in Belize.
AQUACULTURE/FARMING EXPORT & EARNINGS (1998 - 2000)
| Year | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 |
| Exports(lbs.) | 4,282,894 | 5,682,486 | 6,183,868 |
| Value (US$) | 21,694,500 | 27,783,000 | 33,267,500 |
| Industry |
The shrimp industry in particular has shown tremendous growth over the past ten years from 450,000 lbs. in 1990 to approximately 6 million lbs. in 2000. Industry leaders are expecting to achieve an all-time high of over 100 million in foreign exchange earnings over the next three years.
Currently, the fishing industry consists of four large and very active cooperatives: Caribeña Producers Cooperative Ltd., Northern Fishermen Co-op Society Ltd., National Fishermen Producers' Cooperative Society Ltd and Placencia Producers Co-op. Ltd.
Source : Belize Trade and Investment Development Service
Contact - #14 Orchid Garden St, Belmopan, Belize
Tel: (501) 822-3737 / 0178 Fax: (501) 822-0595
Email: beltraide@belize.gov.bz
