Satellite Equipment to the Fisheries Department For the Improved Management of Marine Resources

The Belize Fisheries Department received satellite equipment and tracking monitoring systems from the Republic of China, Taiwan on Thursday. The donation comes by way of the Integration of the Value Chain in Fisheries and Aquaculture project, an initiative established in March of 2019 to strengthen regional governance of marine resources across the region. The satellite equipment will be used to improve the safety condition of those who work at sea. It will also improve the work of the Fisheries Department in tracing Belize’s fishing resources. Here is more from the handing over ceremony.

David Kuan Chou Chien

David Kuan Chou Chien, Ambassador, Republic of China (Taiwan)

“The main objective of this project is to advance the process of integration and harmonious development of the fishing and aquaculture sector of the SICA countries including Taiwan’s allies, Belize. Belize and Taiwan share a number of things in common, the industries of fisheries and agriculture are critical to the growth of economies for each of us.”

Kennedy Carillo

Kennedy Carillo, C.E.O., Ministry of Blue Economy

“The  reason we are here today to receive this donation of tracking and monitoring device is a very important one, because it takes our department and ministry into a more modern era, taking our fisheries sector and small scale system to another level. I understand the vessel monitoring systems were initially piloted in 2019 when 76 units provided by WCS were donated. We have tried three types of tracking devices since 2017 and we are confident these devises will be able to withstand the challenges of the marine conditions.”

Guatemala and Honduras are also a part of this project.