NationalCommunicationsNetworkForGuyana reports that the Agriculture Minister, Robert Persaud, gave this assurance in light of a recent report published by the United Nations which highlighted that marine biodiversity is in great danger, with the depletion of fisheries.
He said they had previously enforced closed seasons for fishing, restricted the amount of trawlers in the ocean and fixed regulations as to the types of nets and techniques used for fishing.
From time to time weve seen a trend whereby weve seen reduced catch coming in of different species and thats why weve been able to toughen some of the measures to protect our oceans fish stock or marine fish stock in this regard and weve been very successful, Minister Persaud said.
The Agriculture Minister stressed that while investments are being made to expand the aquaculture sector, it is being done in a way to ensure less pressure is placed on marine resources. He added that there is a fisheries management plan in place and his ministry is working closely with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
We try as much as possible to be a part of whatever mechanism and arrangement that would allow us to better manage and utilize our marine resources
He assured that Guyanas fish stock is intact and manageable. According to an FAO estimate, over 70 per cent of the worlds fish species are either fully exploited or depleted, and despite the importance of aquaculture to the survival of humanity, overfishing cannot continue, as it is a threat to marine biodiversity.
Fisheries Protected From Aquaculture Practices
GUYANA - Mechanisms are in place to ensure aquaculture is practiced without affecting the preservation of marine resources or damaging fish stocks in Guyana waters.
