Plans to install Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) on boats operated by fishers licensed to harvest stone crab claws and sharks have been postponed after fishing communities raised concerns. Installation was scheduled to begin on October 22, 2026, as part of efforts to align with international fisheries management requirements. According to fisheries authorities, the system is intended to improve monitoring and management while enhancing fishers’ safety at sea.
Beverly Wade, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, said the postponement would allow officials to visit fishing communities, gather additional feedback and better understand fishers’ concerns. She said the technology was already delivering positive results, with dozens of fishers voluntarily using VMS for more than a year.
Wade acknowledged concerns about privacy and confidentiality but said the ministry’s work with participating fishers had not resulted in problems with sharing their data. “We have been working with fishers already, and we do not have any issues with those concerns,” she said. “No fishers have had an experience of us sharing data. Data is primarily for official use.”
Wade added that VMS was becoming a requirement and represented best practice in fisheries management. She said the monitoring devices would be provided at no cost to fishers.
Among those opposing the rollout was San Pedro Fisherfolk Association President Jorge Aldana, who criticized the lack of consultation before the measure was introduced. He said members of his association had numerous concerns about the initiative.
The Caye Caulker Fishers Association, which represents most of Belize’s stone crab fishers, said the tracking system could serve as a substitute for Fisheries Department patrols.
Association President Ian Forte said the technology could not replace enforcement or a visible presence at sea. “We need to have the fisheries department out there. We need to have them patrolling and doing their enforcement part,” he said. “So, instead of putting the burden or all the extra costs of these things on fishers, I think the department needs to step up, needs to play the role, and needs to be out there.”
Members of the Southern Fishermen Association, including many of the country’s shark fishers, have also rejected plans to install VMS on their boats.
No dates have been announced for consultations with fishing communities. The meetings are intended to address fishers’ concerns and explain how the system works before implementation proceeds.