May 12, 2023
The project aims to build a self-sustaining, financially viable seaweed industry in Belize. Given that mariculture is a national priority, Blue Nutrients Belize Ltd. will collaborate with farmers to address key challenges such as low-quality seaweed and limited financing. The project focuses on improving quality through training in quality control and establishing sustainable funding for farmers, ultimately enabling industry growth, expanding seaweed purchases, and increasing value for producers.
Funds from Belize Fund ($BZD)
$,788
Co-financing ($BZD):
$,902
Grantee
Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA)
Location
Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve (TAMR)
Thematic Area
Time-frame
February 2025 – April 2027
Project Goal:
To advance the protection of biodiversity and contribute to sustainable fisheries in the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.
Project Objectives:
- To develop a comprehensive seaweed industry post-harvesting quality control training program.
- To train and certify 22 individuals in seaweed post-harvesting quality control.
- To develop and market 2 new seaweed value-added products to diversify income and contribute to the capitalization of the new Seaweed Industry Fund.
- To create the blueprint of the Seaweed Industry Fund for future capitalization.
- To promote collaboration and support from the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries.
Expected Outputs:
- Integrated enforcement plan using technology solution developed and implemented.
- A new digital application that integrates all of TASA’s digital solutions in one place is created.
- TASA’s Conservation Officers and other MPA enforcement officers’ trained.
- Enforcement data to test and redesign digital applications for enhancement.
- Command centers for enforcement established.
- Digital solution finalized and approved for collecting and analyzing data.
- Commercial and herbivorous fish species monitored.
- Reef Health Index measured for TAMR and a database created with a new digital solution.
- Commercial fish, herbivorous fish and fish spawning aggregation data analyzed.
- Stakeholder’s knowledge of TASA’s work increased.
- Fishers have increased the management effectiveness of their businesses using digital solutions.
- Digital solution developed to assist with visitor management and marketing.
- Visitation trends in Turneffe ascertained by site.
- Marketing needs/targets established and prioritized.
TASA BFSF GAP Application