Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Country Director, Dr Gillian Smith, told a fisherfolk gathering yesterday that the impacts of climate change, the degradation of fishing habitats, and the intersection of fisheries with other activities have affected the sector on a global scale.
“We know as we go forward that the fishing sector is not an easy sector; it’s not an easy sector to make a living in. When you make a living, you make a good living. When things are bad, they are really bad. There are also all sorts of other things that impact global fisheries and I am sure that for Guyana, they are not so different. Climate change and the impacts of climate change, degradation of fishing habitats, and the intersection of fisheries activities with other activities… all these are impacting fisheries on a global scale. have an impact on the fisheries sector on a global scale.”
She also encouraged the fisherfolk present to collaborate with stakeholders and to cooperate with the technical officers and each other, to meet the local and global demand for fish and other seafood.
Despite a period of decline, due to several factors including climate change, the local fishing industry rebounded with 36,396 metric tonnes of seafood harvested in 2023 representing an increase of 37.8 per cent
This was reiterated by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha at the Uitvlugt Community Centre where fisherfolk from across the country gathered to observe Fisherfolk Day 2024, according to a Ministry of Agriculture release.
This year’s event was held under the theme “Protecting Livelihoods, establishing a Safe and Sustainable Environment for our Fisherfolk”.
In his remarks, the minister acknowledged that fishing remains an extremely dangerous profession and commended the nation’s fisherfolk for the sacrifices made for their family and the country while noting that the sector remains healthy.
“We must commend and applaud our fisherfolk for the sacrifices they make by braving the elements at sea to earn a living and provide citizens with affordable and nutritious sources of protein. As a government, we are positioning this country to be a major food producer and exporter in CARICOM [Caribbean Community] and you have a very important role to play in these efforts. In 2023, 36,396 metric tonnes of seafood was harvested in the fishing industry representing an increase of 37.8%. The aquaculture industry is also doing well. Last year, that sector grew by 75%. If we match these production figures with the earnings, you will see that in 2023, the sector earned US$54 million.”
Mustapha pointed out that since the government assumed office, systems have been put in place to ensure fisherfolk have greater representation and a stronger voice in policy-making processes.
“Since our return to government, significant strides have been made to enhance the fisheries sector through initiatives aimed at improving safety, increasing sustainability, and ensuring economic security for our fisherfolk. In recent years, the Ministry of Agriculture has worked tirelessly to bolster the resilience of our fishing communities. With the establishment of the Guyana National Fisherfolk Organization, we have empowered our fisherfolk with greater representation and a stronger voice in policy-making processes.
We’ve also resuscitated and enhanced all fishing vessel landing sites across the country. That was a programme initiated by President Ali.”
He also highlighted that the government is currently expending large sums to rehabilitate facilities like the Meadow Bank wharf and the surrounding vending and landing areas.
“Only last week, we signed a contract valued at approximately $75 million for the refurbishing of the Meadow Bank wharf. An additional $50 million will also be expended to develop the areas around the landing site at the wharf to enhance the aesthetic. These upgrades will include the construction of sheds, water facilities, and stalls for persons who sell fish and other seafood there.”
