–as ‘Agri’ Ministry begins distribution of vessel-monitoring devices
IN order to enhance the safety of fisherfolk across Guyana, the country’s Agriculture Ministry on Wednesday began the distribution of vessel-monitoring devices (VMDs).
The first set of devices was handed over to artisanal fisherfolk at the ministry’s Regent Street, Georgetown office.

During remarks at the ceremony, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said the initiative is part of a wider plan to improve the local fishing industry.
“We recognise the importance of the fishing industry; we recognise also, what you’ve been doing, in risking your life going out there in the ocean and the sea to bring in protein for the Guyanese people and also to help us to earn revenue,” Mustapha said.

In stressing the importance of safety while offshore, he further emphasised the importance of registering fishing vessels and implementing surveillance measures to improve the industry.
“It’s important that we know how many persons are involved in the fishing industry; how we can ensure that we help [fisherfolk] to improve their standards,” the Agriculture Minister said.

According to Mustapha, the country has seen a reduction in piracy attacks; however, these devices will see fisherfolk being better equipped as well as provide the relevant authorities with the means to respond to fisherfolk in cases of distress.
“We have seen a reduction in piracy in our country recently… But that doesn’t mean it is done. We have to prepare for it.

That is why these devices that will be placed on your vessel are important that we can now locate if you encounter any difficulties. We know the fishing ground where you are, so people can’t accuse you of being in their area,” Mustapha said.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by persons in the fishing industry, he highlighted the government’s efforts to make significant improvements. Mustapha noted that each device is about US$500.

“The fishing industry is very important to us, it provides first of all cheap proteins for the Guyanese people [and] bringing a lot of revenue. That is why the government will be putting a lot of resources into this industry,” he said.
He further highlighted the need for diversifying the fishing industry, including both marine catches and aquaculture, and emphasised the government’s efforts to provide financial and technical support to the industry.

According to Mustapha: “You will have to cooperate with us to ensure we work together; this is nothing about where the government is imposing anything. We want to form a partnership to work along with you, that is why I have asked the Fisheries Department that we must ensure that we register our fisherfolk.”

The monitoring devices were designed by Pelagic Data Systems and are supplied by Guyanese company, Latitude Geospatial Inc.
According to the company’s director, Dr. Haimwant Persaud, the devices, once installed help to track where the fisherfolk are and monitor their activities offshore.

He said: “It’s a solar tracking device. All you have to do when you unpack it is install on the vessel and soon as it gets sunlight it activates, it starts sending communication to the satellite, from the satellite that leads into a data-processing platform and from there we would start receiving statistics.”

With this device, the Fisheries Department will be able to monitor fishing grounds and clusters to aid in data-driven decision-making.
Dr. Persaud further related that the device leverages state-of-the-art satellite technology, providing comprehensive and round-the-clock monitoring of vessels. With this, authorities could easily track a vessel in case of a distress.
“Because you are getting a reading every 10 seconds, you will know the location of that vessel,” he said.