Fisheries Department to implement measures to address challenges in the sector

The Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Agriculture would be implementing some measures to address challenges affecting fisher-folk in Guyana.

Chief Fisheries Officer, Mr. Denzil Roberts said for years the first quarter of the year had always seen a decline in production for the sector.

“It is known in the industry that in January, the sea conditions are not conducive to fishing and there is low production since most of the vessels do not go out to sea at this time. The trend is that production will increase in around April or May,” Mr. Roberts said.

Stakeholders in the sector have suggested that the current off-shore oil and gas operations have contributed to these low levels of catch.

During a recent meeting with members of the Fisheries Advisory Committee and the Guyana Fisheries Limited Board (GFLB), Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha said the Government was aware of the issue of low catch levels and that the Ministry is prepared to work with all the relevant stakeholders to devise ways to remedy the situation.

“Although no studies have been conducted on whether the current oil and gas operations have indeed influenced production levels, Government is prepared and willing to work with the stakeholders to verify what is being suggested by our fishermen. We know for a fact that this time of the year, catch levels are relatively low.

“Climate change has also affected production levels. We’ve recently established a committee to look at issues affecting the sector and if the committee brings a recommendation for a study to be conducted, government will then be able to take the necessary steps to move forward.”

Minister Mustapha also said the Fisheries Department would be addressing the issue of licensing using the newly acquired vessel to conduct monitoring, control and surveillance activities and to regulate the operations of the artisanal vessels. He noted that the number of working vessels based on a boat count done in 2017, showed that there are 1, 315 working vessels.

This year, the Fisheries Department will also intensify its fishing gear monitoring efforts, as this too can pose a challenge to operations at sea.

Minister Mustapha said fishing boats utilise various gears as their catch are multi species and that the Fisheries Department will soon conduct a study on the gear types used by fishermen to ensure only environmentally friendly types are being used.

Other management plans to be introduced within the year include the implementation of closed seasons and closed areas, restriction of unregulated gears, the introduction of a quota system and training for fishermen in the proper and responsible use of new and existing fishing gear.