Belize to Publish Vessel Tracking Data

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by the Belize High Seas Fisheries Unit, Oceana and Global Fishing Watch for the availability of tracking data for commercial vessels flying the Belizean flag.  By sharing its fishing vessel data with Global Fishing Watch, Belize’s fishing fleet, made up of more than forty vessels, will be accessible to anyone, including governments, fishery managers, seafood buyers, researchers and non-profit organizations.  Vice President Janelle Chanona signed on behalf of Oceana Belize, while Director of High Seas Fisheries, Valarie Lanza did the same for the Belize High Seas Fisheries Unit.

Janelle Chanona

Janelle Chanona, VP, OCEANA Belize

“The signing of this MOU is a demonstration of Belize’s fervent commitment to transparency and good governance.  The use of the Global Fishing Watch technology is cost-effective, efficient and enhances vessel monitoring.  The expanded data sets generated in near real-time also improves the quality of informed decision making when it matters most.”

Valarie Lanza

Valarie Lanza, Director of High Seas Fisheries

“Through this partnership, we will be able to increase our monitoring efforts to better prevent and detect IUU fishing and to explore how the use of additional platforms may contribute to the monitoring activities that are carried out at the Belize High Seas Fisheries Unit.”