Home Top Stories World Fisheries Day: $500M spent on aquaculture, $750M in cash grants for...
…says Govt remains committed to improving the fisheries sector
With today marking World Fisheries Day, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha in his fisheries day message assured that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) remains committed to the fisheries sector, evidenced by the money it has been investing in it.
These investments include the $750 million in cash grants that the Government has distributed to fishermen to cushion them from the negative impact of the rising cost of living, low catch as a result of global warming, and increases in operational cost.
Additionally, Mustapha pointed out that the Government of Guyana has expended over $500 million in the fisheries sector to facilitate the revitalisation of the aquaculture industry. In his message, Mustapha brought to the forefront the important role that fishing plays in the global economy.
“Today Guyana joins the international community in celebrating World Fisheries Day. Today we recognise the contributions of fishing to the global economy, and the importance of sustainable fisheries. In Guyana, we reflect on the social and economic value of our nation’s fisheries, and celebrate the contributions of all who work to make this industry a success.”
“World Fisheries Day is not only about celebrating the accomplishments of the fishing industry, but it is also about highlighting the opportunities for a sustainable future and recognising the challenges that face the sector with an aim to mitigate and adapt to ensure continuity in this vital sector,” he said.
Mustapha pointed out that more than two-thirds of the world’s fisheries have been overfished or are fully harvested and more than one-third is in a state of decline because of factors such as climate change, over-harvesting and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
He noted that in Guyana, the Government is tackling these challenges head-on through the development of several measures aimed at increasing the domestic fisheries production. And to support those in the sector, some $750 million has been distributed to over 5000 fisherfolk.
“The commitment of the President to food security through blue transformation has led to the Ministry of Agriculture, establishing cage culture production projects in rural communities, expansion of vannamei shrimp and the revitalisation of shrimp aquaculture farms in East Berbice-Corentyne, taking production to unprecedented heights,” the message said.
“Further, in an effort to cushion the effect of the rising cost of living, the Government of Guyana has distributed approximately $750 million in cash grants to over 5,000 fisherfolk across Guyana. At the same time, resuscitating all fish landing sites, while improving their infrastructure, is expected to positively improve the working conditions of our fisherfolk.”
These actions, according to Mustapha, are designed to support resilience in aquatic food systems and ensure fisheries and aquaculture grow sustainably while leaving no one behind, especially those communities that depend on the sector. Mustapha also pointed out that 2022 is a significant year for artisanal fisheries and aquaculture, as it is the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA).
“The theme ‘Small in Scale, Big in Value’ emphasises the importance of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture to global food security. On this World Fisheries Day, the Ministry of Agriculture reaffirms its commitment to developing our fisheries resources in a sustainable and equitable manner through the adaptation of evidence-based management techniques and climate-smart approaches,” the Minister said.
The fishing industry plays a significant role as a foreign exchange earner for Guyana. According to the United Nations Comtrade database on international trade, in 2021, Guyana exported US$41.21 million in fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and aquatic invertebrates. (G3)
