April 10, 2024
Project Goal:
To improve the assessments of key finfish and shark species in Belize, with strong fisher participation and engagement.
This project will significantly contribute to the thematic area of “Sustainable Fisheries.” Through a collaborative effort involving researchers and fisherfolk, the project will focus on collecting and compiling a dataset encompassing size and age at maturity data for commercially significant species in Belize.
Funds from Belize Fund ($BZD)
$,00
Co-financing ($BZD):
$,000
Grantee
Wildlife Conservation Society Belize
Location
Belize Barrier Reef System
Thematic Area
Time-frame
February 2025 – April 2027
Project Objectives:
- Ensure length-based assessments of finfish and sharks in Belize are based on local life-history information and accurate landings data.
- To build capacity of a key stakeholder (fishers) and ensure their participation in science, landings data collection, and assessments
- Highlight the importance of accurate fisher-reported landings data and the benefits of sustainably managed fisheries
Expected Outputs:
- Data and samples collected for at least 15 species.
- Established length at maturity in Belize for 15 commercially important species.
- Established age at maturity in Belize for 5 commercially important shark species.
- Updated length-based assessments to include all available landings data and new life history data.
- Enhanced finfish and CITES-compliant shark landings reporting.
- Fisherfolk trained in data and sample collection.
- Increased employment opportunities for fisherfolk.
- Mass media communications highlighting the importance of sustainable fisheries and collecting accurate data to assess fisheries for sustainability.
GAP Proposal WCS