Diversifying Opportunities in Belize’s Fisheries Sector

Technical experts from Taiwan are currently in Belize doing an assessment of fisheries resources in the exclusive economic zone of Belize, better known as the deep sea. The collaboration is between the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, the Belize Fisheries Department and the Republic of China (Taiwan) and is part of a deep sea fishing resource exploration program which is focused on improving sustainable fisheries management and strengthening Belize’s blue economy.  The cooperation aligns with the objectives of the Belize Fisheries Policy Statement, the Oceans Economy and Trade Strategies for Belize, and the Belize Blue Economy Development Policy and Strategy. According to Acting Fisheries Administrator Rigoberto Quintana, the data gathered will be used to develop a proposal for Belize, which will include an implementation plan to guide the deliverables of the project. Especially key is that it will provide a scope of diversification opportunities in Belize’s fisheries sector for the enhancement of fishers’ livelihoods and well-being. 

Rigoberto Quintana

Rigoberto Quintana, Acting Fisheries Administrator

“We have been looking at developing non-traditional fisheries commodities in Belize. You know that lobster and conch have been the traditional targeted commercial species in Belize. So looking at the level of fishing efforts, we have to also be looking at alternative livelihood for fisheries. We have not explored especially the fin fish resources in this country. So, in late August, for example we had the IDB mission to Belize with support from the Japanese government to also provide some technical support to Belize and be able to assess the fishery resources within. This one is targeting the territorial waters of Belize. There is another component that we started dialoguing with the Republic of China Taiwan to also look at the fishery resources within the EEZ because up to today, there has not been an in-depth assessment of what we have out there and as government we have to be responsible and also to develop this economic opportunities for fisheries. So we have to evaluate what is out there and see if it is feasible for some commercial exploration of these resources can happen.”