Robust discussions underway to amend Fisheries Act, frame aquaculture law

Discussion between stakeholders in the fishing industry commenced on Tuesday with the intention of gathering recommendations to amend the Fisheries Act (2002) and develop a law that would govern operations in aquaculture to ensure there is sustainability in the industry.

The Sustainable Wildlife Management programme is working with the Ministry of Agriculture’s Fisheries Department and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on the “Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Support project”.

“The proposals and the work that you will be putting in for the next two days will form part of the work of the AG (Attorney General)’s office,” said Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha at the opening of the talks at the Herdmanston Lodge in Georgetown.

He noted that Cabinet has already set up a sub-committee to look at various aspects of the Fisheries Act.

Mustapha said improvements to the Bill are important for the rapid transformation of the fishing industry.

Currently, legislation caters mostly to marine fisheries and Mustapha said sustainability of all sub-sectors is vital for the country’s goal of becoming the breadbasket of the Caribbean.

He said this is significant to enhance income of the rural population and at the same time take Guyana to food security.

Country representative for the FAO, Dr Gillian Smith, in her remarks highlighted the importance of finding solutions to the challenges fishermen face. She explained that there have been stakeholder discussions which focused on the sustainability of the fisherfolk and this project is expected to further enhance the recommendations to ensure small farmers, communities and small and medium fishers have access to the opportunities that are unfolding in the fishing industry.

“Being able to have a good regulatory framework, a set of rules or a set of guidelines that all of us are in agreement with is a vital part of everything that will include and ensure sustainability not just for this generation but the generations that are to come,” Dr Smith said.

Natalie Van Vliet from the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme and Denzil Roberts, the Chief Fisheries Officer, are among those in the discussions.

Regions One to Nine were previously engaged for the initial Fisheries Act (2002) and according to Van Vliet, Regions One and Nine were engaged back in 2019 when the SWM programme and the FAO commenced its review for recommendations to the Act.

These improvements to the guidelines are being held as Guyana continues to develop its fisheries sector. Last month the Ministry received the updated documents for the Marine Fisheries Management and Seabob Fisheries plans for 2022 to 2027 and the Brackish Water Shrimp Training Manual. All of which will also be used as part of the recommendations for the review of the Act.