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The seafood industry in Guyana has experienced significant challenges in recent years, with some describing the situation as destruction. A major contributor to these challenges has been overfishing, as the demand for seafood has risen and technology has made it easier for fishermen to catch larger quantities of fish. This has led to the depletion of fish populations in certain areas, making it difficult for the industry to sustain itself. For example, Guyana is the top producer and exporter of seabob shrimp, but unregulated fishing practices, poor resource management, and overfishing have been major drivers of the depletion of the country’s fish stocks. Additionally, there is a pervasive believe that the rapidly growing oil infrastructure has contributed significantly to the reduction of saltwater fish stocks.
According to Earth Journalism Network Magazine, “Guyana has over 900 species of fish in its waters and its marine environment lies within the Amazon Orinoco influence zone, an area of immense biological diversity and importance. There is an abundance of fresh, brackish and saltwater species that are commercially fished which contribute to a vibrant but troubled agriculture sector.”
Despite the government’s efforts to regulate the seafood industry, which employs around 20,000 people directly and another 30,000 indirectly through local supply chains and related industries like boat building, the industry is facing a severe threat of collapse due to issues with resource management and sustainable exploitation. Despite the introduction of legislation to demarcate commercial fishing zones, record vessel ownership and fishing operations, and require the landing of bycatch, the industry continues to be plagued by these challenges.
Pollution has also been a problem for the seafood industry in Guyana. The improper disposal of waste and the use of harmful chemicals have contaminated the water and made it difficult for fish to survive. The destruction of mangroves, which serve as natural filters and protectors of coastlines, has also contributed to the decline of the seafood industry.
According to an interview for an article titled, “Catching Hell, What’s fueling Guyana’s Fishing Woes”, Vice Chairman of the Guyana National Fisherfolk Organisation (GNFO), Deonarine Singh, a resident of Region Two who comes from generations of fishermen, has been very vocal about the changes in fish stock and the overall reduction in fish catches. He stated that, “as it is right now, we are seeing a decrease in everything,” especially “since last year August when ExxonMobil started dumping toxic water [into the ocean].”
The growth of Guyana’s oil industry has also had an impact on the seafood industry. The construction of oil infrastructure, such as platforms and pipelines, can disrupt the habitats of fish and other marine life. The operation of these facilities can also generate noise and other forms of pollution that can harm fish populations.
Climate change has also played a role in the destruction of the seafood industry in Guyana. Rising sea levels and the resulting flooding have disrupted the habitats of many fish species. Warmer water temperatures have also led to the migration of some species to cooler waters, making it harder for fishermen to find and catch them.
The destruction of the seafood industry in Guyana has had serious consequences for the country and its people. Many fishermen have been forced to find work in other industries, leading to a decline in their standard of living. The loss of seafood as a source of food and income has also had a negative impact on the economy and the overall wellbeing of the population.
Efforts are being made to address the problems facing the seafood industry in Guyana. The government has implemented regulations on fishing practices, such as limits on the number and size of fish that can be caught. There have also been efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices and reduce pollution.
However, more needs to be done to protect and preserve the seafood industry in Guyana, particularly in light of the growing oil industry.
