Shrimp production projected to rise to 3.3 million pounds, surpassing $20 million in value

By Hugh O’Brien:  In 2020 shrimp production in Belize reached a low of just over one (1) million lbs after a rapid decline from 16 million lbs in 2014 due to the Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) disease. However, thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries and the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), working closely with the Belize Shrimp Growers Association and the Belize Fisheries Department, the industry is on the rebound in line with Plan Belize 2.0. During this time of renewed growth BAHA is maintaining a strong surveillance programme to protect the industry from exotic diseases.

At the meeting, industry stakeholders reported that shrimp production in 2026 is projected to be 3.3 million lbs, valued at over $20 million for the first time since 2016. Production in 2025 was 2.3 million lbs valued at $16 million. More importantly the growth of the shrimp industry is geared more towards the larger and jumbo sized shrimp targeting the demand of the local tourism industry.

To support the industry’s regrowth, shrimp growers have procured faster growing and hardier genetics and more advanced technologies have been adopted. This has allowed the industry to better supply the growing local tourism market for larger and jumbo shrimps, and to be in a pivotal position to increase exports.

During the discussions, Minister Ferguson committed to continue supporting the growth of the shrimp industry, to work closely with the Fisheries Department to address contraband shrimp, to improve packaging and labeling requirements for shrimp destined for the retail market, and to bring the tourism industry and Cabinet fully on board with the recent growth and development of the local shrimp industry.

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