Climate impact on economic development of fishing industry underscored during activities

The adverse effect climate change has been posing on the livelihood of the fisheries industry was among the concerns raised by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder during Fisher folk Day 2017 activities. This year’s event, held under the theme “Climate Change Adaptation to the Fisheries Sector”, was held at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground on the East Coast of Demerara.
“Our oceans and aquatic ecosystems are key to regulating our world’s climate, as (they are) the largest natural carbon sink. However, the ocean is currently absorbing carbon at an alarming rate, and the result leads to its acidification, which in turn transforms the aquatic ecosystem,” Minister Holder said.

This, according to the Agriculture Minister, can have a negative impact on the industry. He echoed a called for all the players to work together in the best interest of the industry.
By 2050, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates, the catch of main fish species would decline by some 40 per cent.
“As a result, the fisheries sector can be impacted by a decline in the production and ecology of our fish stock, which will negatively affect production and yield,” the Minister stated.
To address this, the Fisheries Department is currently looking to introduce a new line of fingerlings which can withstand the projected changes in local waters. Once successful, this will be a significant boost to the fishing industry.
The Minister proposed a number of measures which can be implemented working in tandem with the local fishing industry. Among those are the establishment of marine and coastal protected areas through management and planning for the protection of breeding grounds for fish stock, and increased access for fishers to technical, financial and material resources to assist where necessary.
“These are some of the initiatives we will be embarking on to ensure that not only is there more responsible fishing, but also a guarantee that marine resources will be accessible for a long time,” the Minister added.
The issue of piracy was also addressed by the subject minister, who lauded the efforts of fisher folks in plying their trade despite the dangers which may exist. The Agriculture Minister, in underscoring the importance of the industry, said the efforts of fisher folks must be recognized, as they continue to make a meaningful contribution to the GDP.
Guyana has recently signed on to the IUU, a global response to eliminating illegal fishing. This has seen a number of measures being taken by the Fisheries Department to ensure that illegal fishing becomes a thing of the past. The Agriculture Minister spoke of the Port State Measure Agreement (PSMA) to which Guyana recently signed on. This PSMA aims to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.