Fish Markets of Belize: Problems of Fish Consumption

Abstract

The coastal waters of Belize, in Central America, are well stocked with fish, but since early colonial limes the commercial development of marine resources, beginning with the exploitation of turtles in the 17th century, has depended more on foreign markets than domestic markets for fish. Today the bulk of the most popular fish (spiny lobster, conch and snappers) is collected by five fisherman cooperative societies for export to the United States, leaving some preferred specimens in short supply in the domestic market. Where marine resources are utilized for domestic consumption, the demand for fish is highly selective. Most species have a low consumer demand. This imbalance in the demand for fish is exacerbated by government supported price controls on different species that favor the purchase of the most popular fish. The degree to which fish are consumed in the Belizean households is culturally determined. Based on a survey, Black Caribs have the highest consumption of fish followed by Creoles and Spanish-speaking mestizos. Basic research on fish consumption habits is an important fisst step in developing marketing strategies to encourage people to eat more fish and to accept those species that are currently rejected.