The agriculture ministry and the Maritime Administration Department are collaborating with the fishing community to standardise fishing practices and the first licensing exercise is expected to start in February.
The Government Information Agency (GINA) said senior officers from MARAD yesterday met with the ministry’s Fisheries Department and a number of fisherfolk, at the Carifesta Sports Club, for the first in a series of safety awareness seminars.
The seminars are being conducted in recognition of the link between the fishing industry and food security worldwide. MARAD falls under the purview of the Ministry of Public Works and Communications.
In his feature address Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said it is important for the practices used in the trade to comply with international standards as non-compliance can impact negatively on the sector. Persaud also said Guyana has one of the highest consumption rates of fish and fish products.
GINA said the seminar aims to enhance fishermen’s knowledge in the operation of fishing vessels though training, followed by the certification. The ministries will be collaborating to implement better licensing procedures while measures are being put in place to ensure that both oral and written certification tests are conducted.
The test will ensure that prior to a fisherman being licensed; his vessel and the competence of the captain are certified and acceptable. This will ensure that licensing procedures are transparent and fair to all stakeholders.
Persaud said while the fishing industry is facing several challenges government will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the livelihoods of more than 10,000 persons currently employed in the sector.
