Over 1000 fisherfolk take to Guyana’s waters daily – Agri Minister

Over $263 million has been invested in fisheries-related projects in the region. Two over the past five years, as the Government continues efforts to modernise the sector and improve the livelihoods of fisherfolk, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha announced on Friday. Speaking at the National Fisherfolk Day 2026 celebration at Charity, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Mustapha said the investments are part of a wider strategy to strengthen fisheries through improved infrastructure, safety systems, aquaculture and financial support.
The event, held under the theme “Celebrating and Empowering Fishers’ Contribution to Food Safety and Security”, brought together fisherfolk, industry stakeholders and residents. Mustapha said Region Two remains one of Guyana’s key fishing regions, with 246 fishing vessels and approximately 1050 fisherfolk operating daily across its landing sites.

“This day provides us with an important opportunity to recognise the invaluable contribution of our fisherfolk. Region Two stands proudly as one of Guyana’s most vibrant fishing regions. From Charity to Hampton Court, from Lima to Cullen, from the Pomeroon to the Essequibo Coast, the work of our fisherfolk feeds thousands, supports livelihoods, generates valuable export earnings and supports Guyana’s food security agenda, including CARICOM’s 25 by 2025+5 initiative,” the Minister said.
He said the figures represent families whose livelihoods depend on the industry and whose work contributes to national development. According to Mustapha, since 2020 the Government has prioritised the revitalisation of the fisheries sector by upgrading landing sites, improving safety measures, expanding aquaculture and creating more opportunities for fisherfolk.
He disclosed that 14,596 fisherfolk across the country, including 705 from Region Two, have received a combined $2.189 billion in direct cash assistance. Registered fisherfolk also received $150,000 cash grants in both 2022 and 2026 to help offset rising operating costs. The Minister also highlighted the expansion of freshwater cage aquaculture, noting that 46 systems have been established in Regions Four, Five, Six, Seven, Nine, and 10.
Four of those systems are located in the Region Two Indigenous communities of Capoey, Mashabo, Lake Mainstay and Bethany, benefiting more than 2200 residents through investments exceeding $72 million. On infrastructure, Mustapha said more than $1.518 billion has been invested nationwide in the rehabilitation and construction of landing sites, wharves and cold storage facilities. He also pointed to several measures aimed at modernising the industry, including the installation of vessel monitoring systems to improve safety at sea, the removal of duties on outboard engines of up to 150 horsepower (HP), zero-rated taxes on key fishing inputs, digital registries for fisherfolk and vessels, the expansion of brackish-water shrimp production, and investments in aquaculture feed production through the Mon Repos Feed Mill. Additional works are also underway to upgrade the Anna Regina Aquaculture Station and develop new fingerling and grow-out facilities in Regions Seven and Nine.
National Fisherfolk Day is observed annually to recognise the contributions of Guyana’s fisherfolk to food production, economic development and the sustainable management of the country’s fisheries resources.