– positions Guyana as regional leader
IN a significant move to enhance Guyana’s aquaculture sector, a groundbreaking $90 million state-of-the-art aquaculture farm and processing facility are set to be constructed in Borlam, Corentyne, Berbice. The ambitious venture aims not only to contribute to the country’s food security efforts but also to establish Guyana as a key player in aquaculture on a regional scale.

The project, spanning 1,000 acres of land, is anticipated to significantly increase brackish water production in the region, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Designed with careful consideration for environmental impact, the farm operations are strategically situated away from residential areas, ensuring minimal disruption from noise, dust, and unpleasant odors.

The aquaculture farm is poised to generate valuable employment opportunities within the region. Beyond its own operations, the facility will actively engage with over 100 small brackish water shrimp farms along the Corentyne Coast, purchasing products and fostering collaboration within the local aquaculture community.
The on-site processing facility will play a pivotal role in the project, offering diverse opportunities such as packaging, distribution, and export of products not only from the Borlam farm but also from other local farms. Markets in Guyana, the Caribbean, and internationally will benefit from the processing of shrimp, ensuring a broader reach for Guyanese aquaculture products.

The processing facility will implement innovative techniques for cleaning and processing shrimp intended for export. Utilising fresh water for washing, the operation aims to streamline the handling of ideal-sized shrimp, eliminating the need for table salt in the process.

The government, recognising the pivotal role of the fishing industry in Guyana, is aggressively pursuing the replication of such projects across the country. The aquaculture initiative aligns with broader efforts to fortify the fishing industry, which currently contributes $11.9 billion to Guyana’s annual exports, constituting around six percent of the country’s overall export earnings.
In support of the aquaculture sector’s development, the government has allocated $443.9 million to regulate and support its growth. This significant investment underscores the commitment to propel Guyana’s fishing industry to new heights, fostering economic growth and contributing to the nation’s food security objectives.