‘Long overdue’ sport fishing policy being developed

Sport fishing is emerging as a promising avenue for economic growth in Guyana. On Thursday, a workshop was held on best practices to develop a policy for sport fishing in Guyana’s inland waters. The workshop underscored the need for clear guidelines, strong partnerships, and continuous monitoring to support the sport fishing industry. It was held in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme.

“This is a very important workshop, because what we are doing here is long overdue,” Chief Fisheries Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Denzil Roberts, said.

He stated that the stakeholders at the workshop play a vital role in shaping fisheries policies, modules, manuals, and legislation.

“You are the ones in the field; you know what’s best for your communities,” Roberts said.

Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture on the CARICOM Agri-Food System, Dr Richard Blair, highlighted Guyana’s natural advantage for sport fishing with its extensive river systems, rich biodiversity, and pristine environment.

“Guyana is uniquely positioned to become a premier destination for sport fishing in the Caribbean and South America,” Dr Blair said.

However, Dr Blair cautioned that sport fishing must go beyond recreation and serve as a tool for sustainable use, ecotourism, and economic diversification.

He further highlighted the development of several key documents, including amendments to the Fisheries Act, a co-management plan for the North Rupununi wetlands, and guidelines promoting responsible inland fishing practices.

Meanwhile, Product Development Manager at the Guyana Tourism Authority, Candace Phillips, praised community models like Rewa, Region Nine, for inspiring similar efforts in places such as Rockstone, Region Ten.

To the stakeholders, Phillips said: “Your presence here today is about bringing all the pieces together to build a robust policy that ensures community involvement, protects indigenous rights, and, above all, safeguards the species at the heart of this ecosystem.”