Press Release
The Belize Fisheries Department is strengthening its technical capacity in fisheries science and data analytics through an intensive 10-day technical training programme, “R Studio Training for Fisheries Data Analysis,” being delivered from February 16–27, 2026. This initiative is being implemented in keeping with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation and the University of Belize, and reflects the continued collaboration between the Belize Fisheries Department and the University of Belize to enhance scientific and analytical expertise within the Department.
The training is facilitated by Dr. Arlenie Rogers, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Belize, who holds a Ph.D. in Marine Affairs and Marine Resource Management and brings extensive experience in fisheries science and biological data analysis. Over the course of the programme, Fisheries Department staff are receiving hands-on instruction in importing, cleaning, and managing complex fisheries datasets; conducting statistical analyses; generating professional data visualizations; and applying modelling techniques to better understand trends in fish stocks and marine ecosystems.
As pressures on marine resources increase due to climate change, habitat degradation, and fishing intensity, fisheries management requires more sophisticated and transparent analytical tools. While spreadsheet-based systems have historically supported data management functions, the adoption of R statistical programming enables advanced, reproducible scientific workflows that strengthen data integrity, analytical transparency, and evidence-based decision-making. By embedding these skills within the Department, Belize is enhancing its institutional capacity to support science-driven fisheries management and long-term sustainability.
This initiative forms part of the Government Strategic Allocation (GSA) project titled, “Establishing the Enabling Environment for the Development of a Marine Spatial Plan through Strengthened Governance, Improved Management, and Enhanced Monitoring of Belize’s Coastal and Marine Resources.” This project is funded through the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future under its GSA mechanism and is implemented with the support of the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit. The training initiative is implemented with the technical support of the University of Belize.
By investing in technical capacity development, the Belize Fisheries Department continues to modernize its approach to fisheries management in a manner that supports sustainable fisheries productivity, improved marine monitoring, climate resilience, and the long-term protection of Belize’s marine resources for present and future generations.
The post Belize Fisheries Department Advances Data-Driven Fisheries Management Through R Programming Training appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Press Release The Belize Fisheries Department is strengthening its technical capacity in fisheries science and data analytics through an intensive 10-day technical training programme, “R Studio Training for Fisheries Data Analysis,” being delivered from February 16–27, 2026. This initiative is being implemented in keeping with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Blue Economy
The post Belize Fisheries Department Advances Data-Driven Fisheries Management Through R Programming Training appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
