Government agencies, fishing organisations and industry partners have pledged to continue work to strengthen Guyana’s Atlantic seabob shrimp sector as a sustainability programme nears completion.

At a closing event in Georgetown yesterday, representatives reviewed the FISH4ACP programme’s results and discussed how to sustain improvements in fisheries data, stock management, food safety, safety at sea and the operation of fishing cooperatives, according to a release from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

FAO Representative in Guyana Dr Gillian Smith said the programme had advanced efforts to make the seabob sector more sustainable and resilient.

“It has improved data collection, stock management, food safety and quality, and safety at sea, with a focus on reinforcing fisheries cooperatives,” she said.

Among the initiatives introduced was CALIPSEO, an FAO-developed digital fisheries information system intended to help the Fisheries Department make decisions on supporting fishers and protecting stocks.

The programme also provided training in the safe handling of seabob products and developed a Safety Guide for Artisanal Seabob Fishers in Guyana.

Working with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Ministry of Labour’s Cooperatives Department, FISH4ACP supported artisanal fishing cooperatives and informal groups. Training covered governance, membership engagement, financial management and organisational planning.

Joni Musabayana, Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, said individual fishers and processors could face difficulties obtaining finance, reaching markets, buying affordable inputs and influencing decisions.

“However, as organised groups, you can pool resources and knowledge, strengthen governance, negotiate from a stronger position and make your voices heard much louder,” he said.

Dr Richard Blair, an adviser to CARICOM and the Ministry of Agriculture, said the government had invested almost $4 billion in the fisheries sector over 2025–2026. He said this included the refurbishment of landing sites and direct assistance to almost 6,000 fishers.

Blair also highlighted the establishment of the Seabob Working Group, which brings together government representatives, fishers, processors, exporters and researchers to address challenges in the sector.

“This collaborative approach will be crucial going forward,” he said. 

Future work will be guided by a sector vision extending to 2032, aimed at strengthening Guyana’s position as a leading seabobexporter.

The objectives include sustainable industrial and artisanal fishing operations, stronger regulation and data collection, improved infrastructure for artisanal fishers, expanded cooperatives and greater opportunities for women and young people.

Aslin Singh, adviser to the Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, said the Cooperatives Department would continue assisting groups with registration, management and record-keeping.

“Cooperatives are not social organisations; they are businesses that create opportunities for their members,” he said.

Singh urged members to manage their cooperatives transparently, involve the membership in decisions and continue learning from one another.

“We will also continue to work hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Seabob Working Group, the ILO and FAO to protect and build on the achievements of FISH4ACP,” he added.

European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Suriname and CARICOM, Luca Pierantoni highlighted the programme’s digital improvements as important to accurate information and informed decision-making. He also suggested that Guyana could share its expanded capabilities with other countries in the region.

FISH4ACP is an initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States to improve the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture sectors. It is implemented by FAO with funding from the European Union and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.