Belize
Promoting ocean transparency together
The collaboration between Global Fishing Watch and the Belize High Seas Fisheries Unit (BHSFU) formally began in June 2021 with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with which the Central American country committed to publicly sharing the tracking data of the fishing vessels of its high seas fleet.
This agreement, facilitated by the collaboration between Oceana and the government of Belize, led to the publication of activity data for more than 50 high seas vessels— tuna purse-seine, trawling, and longline—in the Global Fishing Watch public map.
Belize committed to fisheries transparency as an innovative way to improve the monitoring of its offshore fleet and strengthen compliance with its national regulations to detect and prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing more effectively.
Belize’s fishing industry annually contributes three percent to the country’s GDP. Its major fisheries are spiny lobster, queen conch and shrimp.
As an open registry State, Belize has several non-locally owned fishing vessels flying its flag. Currently, around 50 vessels flagged to Belize are authorized to operate on the high seas under the 1993 FAO Compliance Agreement. These are the vessels visible on the Global Fishing Watch public map.
Sharing fishing vessel data
since March 2022
50+
monitored vessels
240 miles
coastline
How we support Belize
Leveraging the technology offered by Global Fishing Watch enhances the vessel monitoring capabilities of the BHSFU by providing an additional monitoring and surveillance tool to the existing vessel monitoring framework. The data offered on our platform makes it easy to identify unauthorized vessels, as well as those with a history of noncompliance or turning off their tracking devices so that they can be prioritized for inspections and potential enforcement efforts.
Belize uses the data analysis facilitated by Global Fishing Watch to inform management measures of its vessels and fisheries and identify areas for improvement. This advancement is a testament to Belize’s commitment to transparency and leadership in high seas fisheries management.
Recent work
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is a Powerful Forum for Boosting Transparency to Combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing
APEC members share marine resources across a single ocean basin. Ensuring sustainable exploitation and trade is a shared concern. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC, is an intergovernmental forum for 21 member economies in the
Squid Smarts: 5 Things You Need to Know about Jumbo Squid Fishing in the Southeast Pacific Ocean
An analysis of the 2020 squid season reveals key players and true scope of fishing activity The jumbo flying squid (Dosidicus gigas), commonly referred to as Humboldt squid, is the most abundant cephalopod species in
Leadership in Fisheries Management Will Help Bring Transparency to Latin American Waters
Costa Rica and Ecuador will join the Global Fishing Watch platform, furthering accountability of fishing activity in the region A new era of transparency in fisheries management is emerging in Latin America. Since 2018, Peru,