Women Empowerment in the Belize Fishing Industry

Sandra C. Grant^*1, Ralna Lewis Lamb², Peter A. Murray¹, Nidia Chacon³, Isabel Martinez⁴, Deseree Arzu²

Contact information of author(s)

CRFM Secretariat, Belize (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )¹,

Wildlife Conservation Society, Belize (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )²,

The Nature Conservancy, Belize (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )³,

Belize Fisheries Department (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )⁴

ABSTRACT

Women’s empowerment is the process by which females who have been denied the ability to make strategic life choices acquire such an ability. There are gender inequalities in the distribution of power in the Belize fisheries sector. Perceptions on gender equality amongst women in the fisheries sector is that they are not treated fairly, and they do not have equal opportunity within a male dominated sector. Within Belize’s fisheries sector, women are not generally engaged, consulted, or valued; consequently, they cannot fully attain their potential contribution to fisheries management and development. Yet, they make significant contribution to the fisheries sector. Women are involved in pre-harvest activities (preparing meals, vessels, fishing equipment, and bait for fishing trip; planning fishing trips, organizing crew); fishing operations; post-harvesting activities (processing, marketing, sale); and the preparation of fish meals (nutrition). Intensified and focused efforts are needed to engage Belizean women and strengthen their capacity for action across segments of the fisheries sector. This paper draws on the case study of Belize’s interventions to address the issues women face in the fisheries sector to illustrate key lessons of the transformative potential of women empowerment. The interactions of resources (access to material, human, and social resources), agency (processes of decision-making and negotiation), and achievements (well-being and outcome) combine to influence women’s empowerment. Women became empowered by their acquisition of new skills, greater knowledge of the marine ecosystem in which they work, and external interventions. Thus, they were able to influence decisions about their future and with confidence they are more willing to participate in decision-making.

HOW TO CITE: Grant, S.C., R. Lewis Lamb, P. A. Murray, N. Chacon, I. Martinez and D. Arzu. 2026. Women Empowerment in the Belize Fishing Industry. Contribution 4.3 IN CRFM, 2026. Papers presented at the CRFM 20^th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 35, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=923

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Investigating the Economic Implications of Weather-Related Damages and Theft on Fishing Vessels: a Survey-Based Analysis in the Coastal Communities of Trinidad

Dennis Sammy, Vivan Alexander, Imran Khan and Evana Douglas

Future Fishers, Sangre Grande, Trinidad and Tobago

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ABSTRACT

The fishing industry on the northeast coast of Trinidad holds great importance as a major economic driver in the region, providing employment, income opportunities and supporting local businesses. Fishing provides a sustainable protein source for the community and is an integral part of cultural traditions and community life in these seven villages. However, the lack of safe ports for securing the valuable fishing assets has resulted in damage and destruction of vessels owing to harsh weather conditions and theft. Accordingly, Future Fishers investigated the economic impact of these events on the lives of fishers. The study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential consequences of the lack of safe ports for fishing vessels. Primary data were collected using a two-step process. First, fisherfolks registered in the Future Fishers database were contacted to identify those who were affected. Second, phone or in-person interviews were used to elicit information from those who were impacted. The information collected was the date and location of the events, the type and extent of damages, what caused the damage and the estimated cost and time to repair. The preliminary findings suggest that adverse weather conditions and theft have a significant impact on fishers and their fishing communities. The study has practical implications for multiple stakeholders, including local villages, government agencies, and fishers. They will gain insights into the economic impact of extreme weather events and the urgent need for safe ports and facilities that sustain the local fishing industry.

HOW TO CITE: Sammy, D., V. Alexander, I. Khan and E. Douglas, 2026. Investigating the Economic Implications of Weather-Related Damages and Theft on Fishing Vessels: a Survey-Based Analysis in the Coastal Communities of Trinidad. Contribution 4.2, p288-298 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=922

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Capacity building in fisheries - CRFM’s Training and Capacity Building Activities: 2003-2023

Pamela A. Gibson, Sandra C. Grant and Peter A. Murray

Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat

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ABSTRACT

In the two decades since the inauguration of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) on 27 March 2003, one of its core strategic objectives has been capacity building and institutional strengthening. As part of its efforts to achieve this strategic objective, the CRFM has been providing training opportunities in several fishery related disciplines through cooperative agreements with various regional and international academic institutions, through both degree programs and shorter-term training courses. Additionally, training and capacity building activities have been conducted as part of specific projects implemented by the CRFM. Over the twenty-year period, upwards of 1,650 training and capacity building opportunities have been made available to Caribbean nationals through formal cooperative arrangements and/or project-specific activities. This paper presents an overview of the cooperative arrangements in place, background information on the annual/biennial training courses, and information on various training/capacity building opportunities provided to the CRFM Member States. The information takes into account the related fishery disciplines offered, disaggregated by gender and beneficiary Member States.

HOW TO CITE: Gibson, P.A., S. C. Grant and P. A. Murray, 2026. CRFM’s Training and Capacity Building Activities: 2003-2023. Contribution 4.1, p279-287 IN CRFM, 2026. Papers  presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. Volume I: Technical Papers. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=921

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Biology and Diseases of Panulirus argus on Saint Kitts and Nevis

Nicole A. M. Atherley Herbert, Michelle M. Dennis, Mark A. Freeman

Center for Conservation Medicine & Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Saint Kitts and Nevis

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ABSTRACT

The Caribbean spiny lobster, P. argus, is a commercially important species found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. Since P. argus fisheries generate approximately US $1 billion annually, regulations are in place to protect the fisheries and ensure sustainability of the resource. Countries within the region have adopted regulations to achieve this objective, including closed seasons and minimum landing size requirements. In a study conducted on Saint Kitts and Nevis from 2017 to 2020, morphological and histological data were collected, it was determined that minimum size at maturity occurs at 87 mm carapace length while peak reproductive activity occurs from March to May. Although there are few known diseases of P. argus, the PaV1 virus has negatively affected several P. argus populations in some countries. Disease surveillance functions to determine the health of the fishing stock and to discover emergent pathogens which may threaten the fisheries. In this study, lobsters at the adult, juvenile and postlarval stages were screened grossly and histologically for signs of disease. Molecular techniques were also used to identify the aetiological agents of pathologies observed. Parasites such as Ameson herrnkindi (a novel microsporidian parasite), Carcinonemertes conanobrieni, an egg-predator previously reported in Florida and Colombia, and previously undescribed Carcinonemertes sp. were found. Such scientific data can prove instrumental in the management of P. argus stocks including the identification of determination of potential closed seasons, establishing minimum legal size, and assessing aquaculture suitability. Based on our data, March to June could be adopted as the closed season for Saint Kitts and Nevis.

HOW TO CITE: Herbert, N.A.M.A., M. M. Dennis and M. A. Freeman, 2026.  Biology and Diseases of Panulirus argus on Saint Kitts and Nevis. Contribution 3.15, p265-278 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=920

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Improving Social and Economic Resilience Through Enhanced Regional Trade in Fish and Seafood

Milton O. Haughton and Adele O. Ramos

Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat

Princess Margaret Drive, Belize City, Belize

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ABSTRACT

This paper provides a brief overview and analysis of the trade in fish and fishery products in the Caribbean Community, with a view towards promoting the expansion of intra-regional trade to improve food security and social and economic resilience. It considers the current status and trends in fish production, export, import and annual per capita consumption; the legal and policy frameworks for regulation of intra-regional trade; and impediments to the expansion of intra-regional trade; and then concludes with a few recommendations to improve intra-regional trade in fish and fishery products. These include further studies and policy measures to overcome the impediments identified and create a more conducive environment for seafood safety, transportation, and value addition and expansion of intra-regional trade, while ensuring sustainable use of the fisheries resources through the implementation of effective management and conservation measures.

HOW TO CITE: Haughton, M. O. and A. O. Ramos, 2026. Improving Social and Economic Resilience Through Enhanced Regional Trade in Fish and Seafood. Contribution 3.14, p249-264 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=919

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The Evolution of Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting of Fisheries Data for the Commonwealth of Dominica

Derrick Theophille and Kurt Hilton

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, Dominica Fisheries Division, Commonwealth of Dominica

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ABSTRACT

Fisheries data collection is essential for the long-term sustainability of the sector. Limited fisheries data presents uncertainty at varying levels leading to decreased productivity and economic loss. Utilising new and emerging technologies within the fisheries sector allows for more efficient decision-making since there is an ability to record and report more quickly, comprehensively and efficiently. Spanning a 29-year period, data collection and management in Dominica have seen significant changes. This has included paper-based data collection at landing sites, a data input clerk inputting data, storage of data in Microsoft Access, and data analysis using Microsoft Excel. More recently, however, there has been a shift to utilising electronic data collection forms in Kobotoolbox and analysis and reporting of data using the R statistical software. In this paper, we document the evolution of fisheries data collection and storage in the Commonwealth of Dominica, highlighting the challenges and future trajectory using low-cost and open-source methods and technologies for data collection, data manipulation, data analysis, and reporting. The use of new and inclusive methods of data collection presents a greater scope for the collection of information, leading to a reduced cost of data collection as well as time spent on the analysis and reporting of standardised or automated results.

HOW TO CITE: Theophille, D. and K. Hilton, 2026. The Evolution of Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting of Fisheries Data for the Commonwealth of Dominica. Contribution 3.13, p238-248 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=918

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Socio-Economic Features of Antigua’s Small-Scale Fisheries Sector – Implications for Economic Security and Sustainable Development

Ian Horsford

Fisheries Division, Point Wharf Fisheries Complex, St. John’s, Antigua, West Indies.

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ABSTRACT

Effective governance of small-scale fisheries requires a comprehensive understanding of the complex nature of fishery systems. The term “fishery system” is defined here as a functional unit with complex interactions amongst social, economic, cultural, environmental, biological, legal, and political elements. In the Caribbean context, there is a dearth of scientific literature on the social and economic aspects of small-scale fisheries despite a binding Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy and associated protocols that recognise the importance of taking social and economic factors into consideration regarding fisheries management and development. The objectives of this study were to: 1) update the socio-economic profile of fishers in Antigua as part of the National Fisher Registry programme; and 2) determine the status and trends with respect to key socio-economic metrics and their implications for fisheries management and development. Regarding status and trends, there were significant gains in gender equality with the proportion of females employed in fisheries doubling over the past decade from 2.7% to 5.9%. Significant increases in human capital among fisherfolk was observed as reflected by educational attainment increasing exponentially since the late 1990s with most fishers (77.2%) having a secondary education or higher thereby enhancing labour mobility and resilience. “Occupational pluralism” was a common livelihood strategy or a means of economic security for fishers, depicted by 51.6% of fishers having another occupation or source of income within fisheries or outside of the fisheries sector, in 2019. The small-scale fisheries sector served as a “safety net” in times of economic crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, depicted by the number of people renewing their fisher licence or registering and licensing for the first time increased by 262% when compared to the mean number of fisher licences issued in the pre-pandemic years. Given that economic crises tended to result in “spikes” in fishing effort, future studies should focus on understanding the labour market dynamics of fisheries and other related sectors, including recruitment and retention, to ensure the long-term sustainability of fishery resources.

HOW TO CITE: Horsford, I., 2026.  Socio-Economic Features of Antigua’s Small-Scale Fisheries Sector – Implications for Economic Security and Sustainable Development. Contribution 3.12, p225-237 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=917

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Comparative Analysis of Shark Capture Data: Species Composition, Diversity, and Abundance Along the Northeast Coast of Trinidad

Imran Khan, Vivan Alexander, and Dennis Sammy

Future Fishers, Sangre Grande, Trinidad and Tobago

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ABSTRACT

Sharks play a crucial role in balancing marine ecosystems. They occupy a wide range of habitats and play a significant role in maintaining biodiversity. Some shark species, such as reef sharks, help maintain the health of coral reef ecosystems. However, over one-third of shark species globally are threatened with extinction. In the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC) waters, which account for 14% of global shark species, many species face significant risks. Future Fishers (FF) 2022 baseline data collected across the seven landing sites shows that over 60% of shark species caught are vulnerable, and over 29% critically endangered. The continued harvesting of these vulnerable species poses a significant threat to ecosystem health, diversity and fisherfolk livelihoods. Accordingly, the purpose of this observational study is to examine the relation between shark species, fishing methods, and landing sites and quantity and price of sharks landed within Northeastern Trinidad and Tobago. Data was collected from extensive fieldwork resulting from 1288 unique observations from 62 fishers ranging from January 2022 to Dec 2022. Data collectors were employed and trained to collect catch records that were then entered into the FF database called “FISHNET”. The data analysis will involve a comparative evaluation of records across landing sites as well as over the 12-month period. The result of these analyses will provide a greater understanding of the local context that may impact livelihood and future shark harvest. This information can aid in the development of targeted conservation strategies and measures that can be applied locally and regionally.

HOW TO CITE: Khan, I., V. Alexander, and D. Sammy, 2026. Comparative Analysis of Shark Capture Data: Species Composition, Diversity, and Abundance Along the Northeast Coast of Trinidad. Contribution 3.11, p211-224 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=916

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Digitizing the Vessel Inspection Process in Barbados

Adriel Jackman¹, Shelly-Ann Cox¹, Derrick Theophille², Khyle Pooler¹, and Seymour Nurse¹

Fisheries Division, Bridgetown, Barbados¹

Fisheries Division, Roseau, Dominica²

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ABSTRACT

Barbados is known the world over for unique vessel designs that promote a rich fishing culture. In 2022, the registered fishing fleet was estimated at 1,156 vessels which range from small open rowboats (less than 6m) that fish at nearshore reefs, to well-equipped inboard-engine powered longliners (over 22m) that target tunas and swordfish as far as 200 miles offshore and beyond. The vessel inspectorate maintains a vessel registry and conducts inspections to determine compliance with prescribed safety standards and guidelines. In recent years, an average of 150 inspections are completed every quarter using hard copy forms that provide a checklist to ensure that vessels are seaworthy and outfitted with the required machinery and equipment. The inspection form includes several data fields that require a tedious data entry process and manual reporting. Ultimately, this gives an opportunity to review the inspection process and create an electronic form to support a new era of digital transformation. A recent collaboration with the Fisheries Division of Dominica supported the digitization and improvement of the vessel inspection form using KoboToolbox. This platform supports powerful and intuitive data collection tools to support an expedited process of inspection. The e-form integrates pick lists to support efficient data collection, validation to ensure that the data collected is appropriate, and skip logic which enables the inspector to focus on the requirements for that specific scenario. In addition, it allows for many types of information to be captured, including photos and videos which are automatically linked to the traditional text and numeric data. The time between data collection and data availability for review, analysis and reporting is significantly reduced. Further developments include testing the interoperability with the vessel registry and the creation of R statistical programming scripts to support efficient and standardised data analysis and the automation of reports.

HOW TO CITE: Jackman, A., S-A. Cox, D. Theophille, K. Pooler and S. Nurse, 2026. Digitizing the Vessel Inspection Process in Barbados. Contribution 3.10, p203-210 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=915

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Assessing the Spatio-Temporal Dynamics and Overfishing Implications for Guyana’s Seabob Shrimp Industry

Ray Newton and Mikhail Amsterdam

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Department, Regent and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana.
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ABSTRACT

This paper focused on the dynamics of Guyana's *economic Seabob shrimp industry, using various mechanisms such as journals and articles to increase data efficiency, and then secondary data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Department to map and indicate Spatio-temporal patterns of Guyana's fishing dynamics over a 6 year period. Total Catch per annum was calculated utilizing the formula total landings of sea bob processed (peeled tail) weight in kilograms divided by total number of standardized days-at-sea yearly which indicated over fishing of the seabob shrimp. Each map's average locations were indicated by a crimson-to-dark red color shift, indicating heavy fishing on the coast of region 6 for the 6 year study with total size of these patches changed from year to year as the capture rate grew until years 2018 and 2019 which is due to Seabob shrimp aggregation behavior and environment, enabling for considerably simpler identification and capture procedures, resulting in a more focused fishing effort and a higher Total Catch per year which will eventually exhaust the resource. 

HOW TO CITE: Newton, R. and M. Amsterdam, 2026. Assessing the Spatio-Temporal Dynamics and Overfishing Implications for Guyana’s Seabob Shrimp Industry. Contribution 3.9, p194-202 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=914

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