Fisherfolk lead consultations to shape sustainable inland fishing practices in Guyana

In a landmark step toward sustainable fisheries management, fisherfolk, conservationists and community leaders gathered recently in Surama Village, Region Nine (Upper Takutu Upper Essequibo) to validate a key policy document aimed at guiding responsible sport fishing practices across Guyana’s inland waters.
The document, titled “Best Practices for Sport Fishing in Inland Waters in Guyana,” is the latest milestone in an evolving strategy to balance ecological protection with economic opportunity in the country’s growing recreational fishing sector. The initiative emphasises a collaborative, community-driven approach with Indigenous stakeholders at the forefront of discussions.
The consultation, hosted by the Surama Village Council in collaboration with Surama Eco Lodge, brought together representatives from the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, regional authorities, conservation groups, and ecotourism operators.
The document outlines key practices designed to support the long-term viability of freshwater fishing, including globally recognised conservation measures such as catch-and-release (C&R). By promoting C&R and other ethical fishing behaviours, the guidelines aim to minimise ecological disruption while preserving the cultural and economic value of fishing in Guyana’s hinterland communities.
Following validation, the next step will be to incorporate stakeholder feedback into the draft document. A final version will then be submitted to the Fisheries Department at the Ministry of Agriculture for formal endorsement, marking a significant step in the institutionalisation of sustainable inland fishing in Guyana.
The document is among many projects developed in response to a call issued by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha to fisherfolk within the local industry, urging them to practice sustainable fishing.
In 2024, the fisheries industry in Guyana had recorded its highest marine production in the last five years; in 2021, the fisheries sector faced challenges with severely low catches, impacting the livelihoods of fisherfolk and overall industry production. In response, the Government had implemented various measures, including grants, consultations, and new interventions, to support and enhance production.
To further boost production and monitor activities in the Atlantic Ocean, the Ministry of Agriculture procured tracking devices for deployment on private boats conducting patrols. In addition to traditional fishing, significant strides have been made in advancing the aquaculture industry. Initiatives such as the expanding brackish water shrimp project, cage culture, and prawn production have contributed to the diversification of the sector.
Meanwhile this year, the Agriculture Ministry has been allocated $104.6 billion, a significant investment to boost several sub-sectors such as crops, livestock and aquaculture. This represents an increase compared to the $97.6 billion allocated in the 2024 budget.
In Guyana’s 2025 National Budget, a total of $1.3 billion is allocated for the fisheries and aquaculture sector, with plans to construct 80 additional brackish water shrimp ponds in Region Six and install 50 more fishing cages.