A Fisheries Advisory Committee (FAC) was officially launched on Friday, and this is said to signal government’s commitment to the effective management and sustainable development of the country’s fisheries resources.

The Government Inform-ation Agency (GINA) reported that the FAC was established in accordance with the Fisheries Act of 2002 that formed the institutional framework for fisheries management and development. The 20-member committee is chaired by Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission Andrew Bishop while its vice-chairman is Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Dr. Dindyal Permaul.

GINA said that Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud highlighted some of the issues that will be addressed by the FAC such as maximum utilisation of fisheries resources. The lack of investment capital, technical skills, improved technology and research and training are some of the other challenges.

Piracy

The committee, GINA stated, was urged to focus on alleviating the problems facing fishermen, particularly hijacking, since the committee has representation from the Ministries of Home Affairs and Legal Affairs, the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force.

Members were further advised to ensure that their activities are consistent with the FAC’s legal mandate that refers to policy and planning, institutional and corporate development.

“I would like to thank all of you for being part of this very important committee and I am sure you will be committed to ensure that this committee carries out its role very successfully, and would be the driving force in making our fisheries industry a thriving and sustainable one,” Minister Persaud told the members.

Moreover, expansion of the aquaculture industry which has great potential will be prioritized, GINA said.

It reported further that Bishop highlighted the importance of the fisheries sector and the committee’s broad-based membership which reflects government’s approach to matters of national importance.

Establishing the FAC is also in keeping with the objectives outlined in an action plan for institutional strengthening of the fisheries authority which is included in a Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) scheduled to be launched shortly.

The FAC will review and prioritize the implementation of activities outlined in the FMP that seeks to promote conservation and sustainable development of fisheries resources.

An advisory committee was previously established in 1986 and operated for two years. It was resuscitated in 1994 but was dissolved five years later.

The fishing industry currently employs close to 13,000 persons, GINA added.