Government will not allow drilling to ruin the sustainable fishing industry

Dear Editor,
Fishermen complain of declining catch. In fact, in several outings some of them say there were virtually no catch. They believe and are also told that the oil industry has something to do with declining catch. Inevitably, they are worried about the impact of the emerging oil industry on fishing industry. A lot of people, several thousand families on the coast and the river banks that are tied to the fishing industry are hurting badly. They can’t make a living in fishing. They need help. It is estimated that some 30,000 jobs are tied to the fishing industry.

Does oil-drilling and production have any link to low catch? It is well known that oil pollutants kill fish. And if fish consume oil, humans must avoid those fish because oil is poisonous to the body. Guyana has not experienced oil spill. Therefore, oil is not a threat to fish catch. But the catch is very low or non-existent. It is imperative that studies be carried out to find out the causes of the declining catch. Also, we know the impact of oil and gas drilling on the fishing industry and on marine life and take steps to address any problems.

When I studied biology over 40 years ago for my BSc, in my first year course I had to do lab experiments on the impact of noise (and other issues) on fish life.  The experiments showed that fish swam away with increased level of noise and or powerful wave movement. It would seem to suggest from that simple experiment that oil-drilling would impact on migratory pattern of fish. Marine biologists also claim that the oil industry impact on fish life. So, if indeed this happens then it would explain low catch by fishermen in Guyana waters or fishing fields near drilling areas.

Scientists who claim they did studies in Ghana and Nigerian waters said oil-drilling did not affect the fishing industry. But proper, authentic scientific studies are needed on the impact of oil and gas-drilling and production as well as oil and gas pollutants (oil spills, etc.) on fishing in Guyana waters. Is it any different from say the impact of drilling and pollutants on fishing in Trinidad, Surinam, and Venezuelan waters – all being our neighbours?

If the fishing industry is affected, some suggests shutting down oil operations. That is not the solution. However, everyone tied to the fishing industry should receive some form of compensation or subsidy for gas or grants to allow them to remain in the industry. Steps should be taken to reduce the effects of drilling (including oil spills) on fishing. Noise reduction and anti-oil pollutant measures are required.

I am confident government will not allow drilling to ruin the sustainable fishing industry. Exxon must be required to take mitigating steps to protect the livelihood of those tied to the fishing industry. But first, we need to know the impact or effect of drilling on fish in Guyana waters and what measures can be taken to mitigate the effects. We need an eco-friendly solution.
Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram

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