Promoting a responsible and Sustainable Fishing Industry among small-scale fishers in Guyana

To foster a culture of compliance and sustainability in the artisanal fisheries sector of Guyana, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) joined the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Department to engage artisanal (small-scale) fishers to promote licensing and sustainable fishing practices within the fishing industry. 

This initiative is part of the ongoing Oceans-5 project, designed to tackle Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Guianas, ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine resources. 
 
Objectives of the Exercise
The primary goal of this exercise is to educate fishers about the importance of obtaining proper licenses and permits and to make them aware of the costs attached to the various permits needed.
Licensing ensures that fishing activities are regulated, helps monitor fish stocks, and prevents overfishing. By promoting licensing, the Fisheries Department aims to foster a culture of responsible fishing practices and to stop illegal fishing. 

Distribution Across Key Sites
The education and awareness posters were distributed and published at landing sites and to fisheries cooperatives across Regions 1,2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. These sites are pivotal to Guyana’s fishing industry, hosting numerous artisanal fishers who rely on the sector for their livelihoods.

Looking Ahead
As the posters are distributed and awareness spreads, more fishers are expected to comply with licensing requirements, leading to better management of fishery resources. This initiative is crucial to ensuring that Guyana’s rich marine biodiversity is preserved for future generations while supporting the livelihoods of those who depend on it.