Why are lobster, shrimp, conch, and fish important to Belize's economy?

In Belize, the fishing industry—which includes the harvesting of lobster, shrimp, conch, and scale fish—is a vital component of the national economy. These marine resources are primarily managed by several cooperatives, some of which operate their own freezing plants to process the catch.1

The economic importance of these products is driven by two main factors:

• Export Revenue: Seafood is one of the country’s main exports, with substantial quantities shipped to the United States.12
• Aquaculture: Beyond traditional fishing, the development of aquaculture, particularly shrimp farming, has become a significant contributor to the economy.1

While the service sector currently accounts for the largest share of the country's gross national product (GNP), the fishing industry remains a key pillar of Belize's trade and foreign exchange earnings.2