Stakeholders map way forward for Guyana’s Seabob industry

…outline 10-year vision to boost sustainability, global exports

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry and other partners, is moving towards the completion of the FISH4ACP programme in Guyana, which has focused on strengthening the Atlantic Seabob shrimp value chain.
At a legacy event in Georgetown on Thursday, representatives of the Government, the Private Sector, fisherfolk organisations, development partners, and project beneficiaries reviewed the programme’s achievements and discussed measures to sustain the gains beyond its completion.
FAO Representative for Guyana, Dr Gillian Smith, said the programme had advanced efforts to make the Atlantic Seabob value chain more sustainable, better managed and resilient.
“FISH4ACP has significantly advanced the plan to upgrade the Atlantic Seabob value chain and make it more sustainable, well-managed, and resilient. It has improved data collection, stock management, food safety and quality, and safety at sea, with a focus on reinforcing fisheries cooperatives,” she said.
Among the programme’s interventions was the introduction of CALIPSEO, a digital fisheries information system developed by FAO to improve the collection and use of fisheries data. The information is intended to support decision-making by the Fisheries Department, assist fishers and strengthen efforts to protect fish stocks.
The programme also provided training in the safe handling of Seabob products and developed the Safety Guide for Artisanal Seabob Fishers in Guyana, which contains practical guidance to help reduce risks faced by fishers at sea.
Another area of focus was strengthening cooperatives comprising artisanal fishers, while also engaging informal groups. This work was undertaken in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Cooperatives Department of the Ministry of Labour.
The support included training in governance, member engagement, financial management, and organisational planning.
Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, Joni Musabayana said collective organisation could help fishers and processors overcome challenges associated with operating individually.
“One fisher or processor alone may struggle to secure finance, reach better markets, buy inputs at a reasonable cost, influence decisions or access services,” he said.
“However, as organised groups, you can pool resources and knowledge, strengthen governance, negotiate from a stronger position and make your voices heard much louder.”

Building on achievements
Discussions at the event centred on how Government institutions, fishing communities and industry partners could continue the work undertaken through FISH4ACP.
Adviser to CARICOM and the Agriculture Ministry, Dr Richard Blair highlighted the Government’s continued investment in the fisheries sector, pointing to almost $4 billion invested during 2025 and 2026, including the refurbishment of landing sites and direct assistance to nearly 6000 fishers.
He also identified the establishment of the Seabob Working Group as a key achievement of the programme. The group brings together Government representatives, fishers, processors, exporters and researchers to address challenges affecting the industry.
“This collaborative approach will be crucial going forward,” Blair said.
Future efforts are expected to be guided by a vision extending to 2032, with the objective of strengthening Guyana’s position as a leading global exporter of seabob shrimp.
The vision calls for a sustainable and resilient industrial and artisanal value chain supported by effective regulation and reliable data. It also identifies improved infrastructure for artisanal fishers, the expansion of fisheries cooperatives and continued efforts to empower women and young people as priorities.
Aslin Singh, adviser to the Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, said cooperatives could create economic opportunities for their members when properly managed.
“Cooperatives are not social organisations; they are businesses that create opportunities for their members,” Singh said.
He said the Department of Cooperatives would continue to assist cooperatives with registration, management and proper record-keeping.
“We will also continue to work hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Seabob Working Group, the ILO and FAO to protect and build on the achievements of FISH4ACP,” he said.
Singh also urged fisherfolk to ensure that their cooperatives operated with integrity and transparency, involved members in decision-making and promoted continuous learning.

Strengthening shrimp value chain
European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Suriname and CARICOM, Luca Pierantoni, commended the programme’s contribution to strengthening the shrimp value chain, particularly through improvements in digital infrastructure.
He said better digital systems were important for ensuring accurate information and informed decision-making, adding that Guyana could eventually share its expanded technical capacity with other countries in the region.
FISH4ACP is an initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States aimed at improving the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture value chains across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
The programme is implemented by FAO with funding from the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.