Holder urges fisherfolk to practice sustainable fishing

Fisherfolk are being called upon to play their part by getting licenced, practicing sustainable fishing activities and comply with the regulations by the Fisheries Department.

The call was made by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder during his feature address at this year’s Fisherfolk Day which was held at the Upper Corentyne Fishermen Coop Society Ltd in #66 Village, Berbice.

This year’s activity was held under the theme “Combatting IUU Fishing, Preserving our Marine Resources” and saw fisherfolk from all walks of life participating in the day’s activities.

Guyana recently became a signatory to a Port States Measure Agreement (PSMA) to prevent, deter and eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. The agreement was developed and officially entered into force on June 6th, 2016. This agreement seeks to utilize robust port state measures to combat this scourge.

Minister Holder urged the local law enforcement body to exercise the full force of the law on persons found guilty of piracy citing recent piracy attacks which left several families in distress.

Meantime, Chief Fisheries Officer, Denzil Roberts echoed the call for coops to be registered adding that, it serves as a stepping stone to ensuring that the voices of fisherfolk are heard.

The Fisheries Department launched the Fisherfolk Organisation last year. In this regard, the Chief Fisheries Officer, used the occasion to remind of fishermen of the role the organization plays in ensuring a level playing field in the industry.

Guyana has recently signed on the IUU by taking a global response to eliminating illegal fishing in Guyana. This has seen a number of measures being taken by the Fisheries Department in ensuring that illegal fishing becomes a thing of the past.