Aquaculture In Belize.
This report will attempt to provide a comprehensive view on investment in Aquaculture to rear ornamental fish in Belize, and to be exported to the United States which have a ready and growing market for ornamental fish .
The Country.
Belize ,is a vibrant and picturesque country with an area of 8,867 sq miles or 23,000 sq kilometers and an independent English speaking country in Central America.Belize is a Democratic country with a population of 216,000 located on the East Coast of Central America .The capital city is Belmopan.With a literacy rate of 80%, the official language is English,however Spanish is widely spoken. Currency is the Belize dollar ( pegged to 2 Belize dollar = US 1 dollar).Major trading partners are The United States,United Kingdom and Canada.( See attachment for Belize map ).
Government structure
While the Prime Minister and Cabinet make up the executive branch the 29 member elected House of Representatives and 8 member appointed Senate form a bicameral legislature.The Government of Belize is operated on the principles of parliamentary democracy ,based on the Westminster System.
Introduction on Aquaculture
Aquaculture is one of the oldest types of agriculture defined as rearing of aquatic plants and animals in man made ponds or environment.This method of rearing is designed to control the biological cycle particular plant or animal,in order to maximize output in terms of volume and quality.
Ancient inhabitants of areas near oceans or rivers and streams caught or trapped fish for food.Trapped fish that were not eaten immediately were probably held in secured traps, to sssure a prolonged fresh supply of food .Ancient Egyptians are credited with developing early forms of aquaculture. The Egyptians are also known to have collected and held fish for their enjoyment or worship.The Chinese of the Sung Dynasty (970-1279 AD ) and later the Japanese raised koi.Raising and breeding koi for their aesthetic value may be recognized as the beginning of ornamental aquaculture.It was not until the 17’th century ,that Europe began to enjoy watching and raising ornamental fish.The fish major public aquarium was built in 1853,in London, England (Mills,1993).
Aquariums have become very popular .Large public aquariums have become major attractions in cities throughout the world.The size and diversity of fish exhibited and environments recreated is incredible.Equally amazing is that millions of people have bought ornamental fish into their homes.Fish that once were found only in rivers and streams of the jungles of South America are now found in homes ,schools and pet shops all over the world.
Project viability
The increasing demand for seafood and ornamental fish especially from developing and developed countries there is a natural concern on preservation of natural fisheries.The nomal yield for the sea is estimated approximately at 2 kilograms / hectare,and 12 kilograms / hectare for fresh water but for farm ponds as much as 5000 kilograms / hectare.Apart from food production ,and ornamental fish rearing aquaculture products can be used for genetic engineering ,bio medical research and [next page]