A press conference held yesterday, at the Ministry of Agriculture, Regent Street Bourda in collaboration with the Working Group and The International Development Bank in its effort to launch the Aquaculture Working Group. Present at the press briefing were Mr. Igal Magen, the Aquaculture Technical Lead, (GTIS), Ms. Sybille Nuenninghoff, Natural Resources Specialist (IDB), Mr. Denis Gasnier, International Aquaculture Consultant (GFA), the Honorable Robert Persaud, Minister of Agriculture, to discuss the development of Aquaculture in Guyana.
Speaking at the press conference Ms Nuenninghoff stated that a lot of work has been done over the last few months as it relates to this sector, however a lot can still be done since the program was launched in 2006-2007. She mentioned that when the program started they were not as advance with technology as they are today and is hoping that a cluster could be built in its effort, she also asks that a strategic plan be put in place and to support what has already been done. Ms Nuenninghoff also proposed to the private sector to bring fort to the table new business ideas and assured them that the ministry will support their contributions.
Mr. Gasnier, in his briefing stated that Guyana has a great advantage in Aquaculture farming since we have a lot of land which could facilitate intensive and semi intensive farms  with large ponds to rare fishes such Tilapia and Shrimp. He added however, in order for this to be productive you would need to acquire a large piece of land and multiples ponds to be able to move fishes from pond to pond and the necessary equipment to get the job done. He also mentioned that Guyana happens to be one of the largest fish consumers in the world and estimated by year 2040 Guyana would benefit 40 Million in this industry.
Minister Persaud commented after listening to the press conference and noted that even though these are all beneficial initiative to the sector, he is not sure if they are enough resources in place to facilitate. In his address he noted that a lot of emphasis was being placed on the crop and vegetable industry and saw a need to promote the aquaculture industry since there has been a decline in fish stocks due to climate change and variation of fish and quantity just to name a few. In order to boost this sector he is willing to implement this program in to the school systems, having approximately 140 persons already trained by the Guyana School of Agriculture. The Ministry has already seen an increase in productivity earning in 2009 $343 Mil well over $223 mil in 2008. In efforts to expand they are using technology with partnering countries Brazil and China.
In his closing remark the Minister said as a part of the government he is very serious about Aquaculture and sees this as an area with great potential and would beneficial to the income of Guyana.