Can Real-Time Tracking Change How Fishing is Managed in Belize?

The Fisheries Department is pressing ahead with its move away from paper logs, continuing the rollout of a digital system designed to improve how fishing data is collected and used across Belize.

On May 14, 2026, the Capture Fisheries Unit hosted a specialized SMART training workshop aimed at training officers on the new system, which allows fish catch information to be recorded and uploaded digitally instead of on paper.

Officials say the system will allow catch and fishing effort data to be uploaded almost in real time. This means information from fishing activities can be accessed much faster, helping the department respond more quickly when making management decisions.

The digital shift is also expected to reduce errors that can happen with handwritten records and repeated data entry, while making reporting more efficient overall.

Officials add that the long-term goal is to fully automate fisheries data collection nationwide. They say this will support better decision-making and contribute to the sustainable management of Belize’s Blue Economy.

The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society, with support from fisheries expert Julio Maaz, who helped facilitate the training session.