More than 9,000 people across Regions Four, Five, Six, Seven, Nine and Ten are expected to benefit from the People’s Progressive Party Civic’s (PPP/C) Administration continued expansion of inland fisheries.
This will be realised with 13 additional fish cages set to become operational during the second half of 2026, as outlined the 2026 Mid-year Report.
The expansion is part of the government’s effort to increase fish production, strengthen livelihoods and broaden opportunities within the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
In the first half of 2026, three new fish cages were operationalised, bringing the total number of operational cages to 33.
Thirteen cages are expected to be added by year-end.
Additionally, the government has spent $648.3 million of the $1.5 billion allocated to strengthen monitoring, infrastructure and production in the fisheries sector.
Meanwhile, work is also progressing to expand brackish-water shrimp production.
Some 473 acres of shrimp ponds were completed during the review period, benefiting 38 farmers, while another 392 acres are expected to be completed in the second half of the year for an additional 17 farmers.
In August 2023, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha noted that the production of prawns and the lucrative marine cage project are expected to boost the country’s aquaculture sector.
The Onverwagt Prawns Project also completed 10 acres of shrimp ponds during the first half of 2026.
The government has also begun revisions of protocols and standard operating procedures for the shrimp hatchery, with the updated measures expected to be implemented by the end of 2026. [DPI]
Source: INews Guyana
