WWF LAUNCHES STRATEGIC FISHERIES PLAN FOR GUYANA

WWF launches strategic fisheries plan for Guyana – WWF-Guianas in recognising the importance of safeguarding of the marine environment in Guyana has presented their Strategic Framework and Management Plan 2019-2024 to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Department.

At the handing over ceremony held at the Ministry of Agriculture, Ms. Aiesha Williams, Country Manager for the WWF-Guianas, Guyana office, in her presentation remarked that “the plan in part, represents WWF’s longstanding partnership with the Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Agriculture.”

This Strategic Framework and Management plan was prepared by WWF-Guianas under the Shared Resources, Joint Solutions (SRJS) programme in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and serves as a guidance and support document for the Marine Fisheries Management Plan implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Department.

The plan addresses key issues and challenges within the artisanal fisheries sector, once solved, will aid in the realisation of sustainable fishing practices, these include; the overfishing of species, illegal fishing and building awareness among stakeholders in the sector.

Minister Noel Holder expressed government’s commitment to a more sustainable fisheries industry. The minister stated that, “the government of Guyana is committed to developing a thriving fishing sector while at the same time promoting climate smart fishing practices, sustainable fishing practices and all the management measures that are needed to ensure that our fisheries well be her for generations to come.”

Artisanal fishing practice targets a variety of species including shrimp species, seabob, sharks, catfish and snappers, due to the use of multiple gears. The aforementioned species are crucial commercial species for artisanal fishing industry.

Outlined in the plan are a set of objectives which according to Ms. Williams are specific to achieving “the desired outcomes and indicators of success for important aspects of a sustainable artisanal fisheries sector.”

These actions as listed in the document, involve the development and implementation of a simplified Licensing and Registration system, initiatives to maintain and protection of the Marine Environment, installing a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) to improve tracking of fishing vessels, improving dialogue and trust between the fisheries department and the fishing community, and securing funding for the artisanal fisheries management.