GOVERNMENT is in the process of implementing measures to assist in combating the effects of climate change on the fishing sector.

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud at the Fisherman’s Day celebrations held at the Georgetown Fisherman’s Co-op Complex, Meadow Bank Wharf, East Bank Demerara, yesterday said that within two weeks government plans to start discussions with stakeholders of the fishing industry at a workshop that will be held to allow presentation and analysis of data on the sector.

Minister Persaud noted that government will take the lead in this situation by conducting more scientific studies into the problem as well as work to tap into international resources. International experts have been invited to help analyse the increasing problem of ‘dwindling’ catch and what measures can be put in place to assist, he said.

The Agriculture Minister said that the approach to be taken will be a unilateral one whereby not only the government but stakeholders in the industry will implement measures to deal with the situation.

“I want the industry to be a part of this effort and I want the industry to take voluntary action as it is currently doing, one in terms of the closed season,” he said.

While it is commendable that the ‘closed season’ has been respected by the fishermen, Minister Persaud noted that in an effort to allow the sustainable utilization of the fishery resources, the size of the fleets will have to be examined.

There are approximately 128 registered trawlers in Guyana and Minister Persaud queried whether there are too many for the industry.

“We need to look at the sizes and what we can do in our efforts to have continuity so that we do not threaten the fisheries resources in our country,” he said.