April 12, 2023

Guyana's fisheries sector expands with prawn and marine cage projects

Guyanas' aquaculture sector is expected to receive a significant boost through the expansion of prawn production and a lucrative marine cage project, Fish & Information Services reported.

Zulfikar Mustapha, Guyana's Minister of Agriculture, said the government has had many successes over the past two years in the aquaculture sector and is determined to continue working aggressively to transform it.

Minister Mustapha said that the cage culture project, which was introduced last year in Mainstay/Whyaka, Region Two, has proven to be a popular and financially successful method of producing marketable fish.

This year, the government plans to set up approximately 50 more cages around the country, which will require enhancing areas such as the Satyadeow Sawh aquaculture station to supply fingerlings for the cages.

The minister said that prawn production will be conducted in the country's Regions Five and Six this year, with the government already constructing ponds for the project.

The production of brackish water shrimp in Guyana has increased from 10,000 to 90,000 kg. The government expended approximately US$2.37 million last year in the fisheries sector, particularly for brackish water shrimp production.

During his visits to landing sites, Guyana President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali made several commitments, including the provision of lights, sheds, and washroom facilities, among others, to enhance the sector. Around 75 landing sites have been improved throughout the country.

-      Fish Information & Services