AGRICULTURE Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has expressed utter dissatisfaction at the local licensing mechanism in Guyana’s fishing industry.
While describing it as poor, the minister pointed out its importance with regard to safety as it relates to fishing and the livelihoods of fisherfolk in the country. This comment was made during the minister’s address to fisherfolk in Rosignol Berbice at the Fisherfolk Day celebration last Friday.
The minister said while licensing is an important part of safety in Guyana’s fishing industry, the country has been struggling somewhat in this area.
According to him, if fisherfolk continue to disregard the calls that are being made to get in tune with the licensing system, it will see Guyana taking a downward trend.
“Our licensing mechanism has not been efficient…Suriname has warned that it will increase Coast Guard activities in its waters. This will mean that all Guyanese boats in Surinamese waters must ensure they are licensed to fish in Suriname.” Dr Ramsammy warned.
With this in mind, the minister said it is his hope that the exercise is not used to stop legitimate fishing by Guyanese fishermen.
“I believe each country has a right to ensure that illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is deterred. But in so doing I am hopeful that legitimate Guyanese fishing in Suriname will not be impeded.” the minister lamented.
He noted that Guyana and Suriname will continue to strengthen their friendship and collaboration for mutual benefits; as such, he said that he is hopeful that soon the two countries would arrive at a fisheries agreement.
Dr Ramsammy enlightened fisherfolk that this was coming out of discussions that the two countries had   earlier this year. According to him, he will soon be requesting Cabinet’s approval of a draft Fishing Agreement to begin discussions with Guyana’s counterpart in Suriname.
He stressed that licensing continues to be a challenge in the industry, noting that a boat count of artisanal vessels in the last year revealed that there are 1,234  boats, an increase from the last count in 2005.
Some he said have estimated the count at about 2,000 artisanal vessels operating in our waters. However, of great concern was that only approximately one-third had fishing licences last year.
“Whilst we realise sometimes the Fisheries Department does not have in place offices throughout the regions to receive monies, steps have been taken for the officers to visit each region at least once per quarter so as to facilitate the maximum boats having licences.” He revealed.
The minister told the fisherfolk that licensing and ensuring fishing is done within the regulated environment is critical for the growth of the fishing industry.
He stressed that the success and safety of fishing and the various stakeholders depend on the authorities knowing how many persons are engaged directly and indirectly in the industry, and where fishing is done.
“We need these data, so that, in collaboration with the Coast Guard, MARAD and other stakeholders, we can be able to serve you better, offer more security at sea, and you will be able to receive the benefits that a licensed boat is expected to receive,” he added.
He encouraged more cooperation among fisheries staff when they go out to collect data at the various landing sites. The information received he said, helps in understanding the magnitude of the industry.
“We can be able to have an idea of how your catches are over the years and even to take measures that will ensure the sustainability of the resources out there,” he highlighted.
The minister added that fisherfolk must recognise the changing environment in terms of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Global laws and regulations can impede the growth of local fishing industries in developing countries.
He called upon them to be aware of these emerging issues and position themselves to be  players within the emerging legal fishing dispensation in Guyana and regions around the world.
Additionally, Ramsammy said Guyana has to take an eco-system approach to fishing and enhancing bio security.
“Who would have thought growing up in Guyana after independence that in discussing fishing in Guyana, we would have reached the stage of talking about the use of internet, GIS and GPS, remote sensing and other technological advances? But this is precisely where we are today.” Ramsammy pointed out.
He said that he recognised the need to address other issues such as the cost of fuel, electricity cost and access to ice and other supplies for this industry to continue to prosper. “ I will work with you. We will work with you” he said.