Fisherfolk applauded as production increased by 37%

Following a period of declined catches, which were due to several reasons including climate change, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha disclosed that in 2023, 36,396 MT of seafood was harvested in the fishing industry, representing a 37.8 per cent increase.
Speaking at an event on Wednesday in observance of Fisherfolk Day 2024, which was held at Uitvlugt Community Center in Region Three, the Minister pointed out that fisherfolk need to be applauded explaining that the work they do can be described as a dangerous one.
This year, Fisherfolk Day was observed under the theme “Protecting Livelihoods, establishing a Safe and Sustainable Environment for our Fisherfolk”.
According to the Agriculture Minister, those in the industry needed to be applauded for the sacrifices they make by braving the elements at sea to earn a living and provide citizens with an affordable source of protein.

He said Guyana is being positioned as a major food producer and exporter in Caricom. Hence, the role played by the fishers is being seen by the Government as a very important one.
For last year the Minister pointed out, the sector earned more than US$50 million.
“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 and you have a very important role to play in these efforts. In 2023, 36,396 metric tonnes of seafood were 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 percent; if we match these production figures with the earnings, you will see that in 2023, the sector earned US $54 million,” the agriculture minister pointed out.
He also said that since the Government took office, systems have been put in place to ensure fisherfolk have greater representation and a stronger voice in policy-making processes noting that significant strides have been made to enhance the fisheries sector through initiatives aimed at improving safety, increasing sustainability, and ensuring economic security for fisher folks.
In recent years, the Agriculture Ministry has worked tirelessly to bolster the resilience of our fishing communities. With the establishment of the Guyana National Fisherfolk Organisation, 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,” Mustapha explained.
Meanwhile, the Food and Agricultural Organisation -FAO Country Director, Dr Gillian Smith pointed out that the impacts of climate change, the degradation of fishing habitats, and the intersection of fisheries activities with other activities have an impact on the fisheries sector on a global scale.
She called on fisher folk to collaborate with stakeholders and cooperate with the technical officers to meet the local and global demand for fish and other seafood.
On Wednesday a $75 million contract was signed for the refurbishing of Meadow Bank wharf and another contract for $50 million to rebuild the landing site and a vending area. (G4)