Fishing industry raises concerns over proposed Chinese fishing licences

Sep 28, 2013 News

Concerns are heightening among members of the fishing and trawler industry about plans being considered by Government to grant a large number of deep sea fishing permits to the Chinese despite requests being made for locals to reduce fleet numbers.
Officials say that the proposals are being considered by authorities to the chagrin and consternation of the local sector. Kaieteur News was told by some concerned maritime operators that a decision is impending on whether some 40 licenses should be granted to the Chinese by the Agriculture Ministry.
They argue, however, that this is within a period when local sea operators are being urged to reduce fleet numbers because of dwindling stocks and a growing need for more protection in the fishing industry. In 2010, an overhaul of the industry was suggested with the aim to reduce the number of operating trawlers by January 1, 2011.
Members of the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors (GATOSP) were further considering a proposal that could reduce its fleet of fishing vessels by at least 20 per cent.
The fishermen see the move to issue foreign licenses as a slap in the face as they were working with the government to meet their concerns about excess fishing and diminishing resources. One operator said that if the licences are granted that could mean negative impact for local producers.
He suggested that, “Like in other parts of the world, they could set up a mother ship which processes the fish right there on the boat.” The operator said that the licensed boats would perform the ground task of catching the fish while the mother ship, equipped with workers and the relevance equipment clean and process the fish before shipment.
The 20 percent reduction has been in effect for little over two years, but Kaieteur News was told that a report from the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), which Guyana is part of, is to be presented on the current state of the fishing industry and the concept of depleting resources.
Leslie Ramalho, President of GATOSP, said that he is aware of the matter. He said that he will however seek clarification on the issue from the relevant officials.
Efforts to contact Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy proved futile.

8 thoughts on “Fishing industry raises concerns over proposed Chinese fishing licences”

wtf2011 September 28, 2013 at 4:52 am

Know this!!! NO Guyanese or any Nationality can go to CHINA & get a Commercial Fishing License, China is for Chinese!

& Chinese prefer Chinese, just visit China as a PRVATE business man & see what i’m talking about!
MrHFMetz . September 28, 2013 at 5:44 am

This is alarming news. These Chinese will plunder and destroy the sea totally. Not only the country is being given away, now the sea as well. Are you people going to accept this?
Ashley Singh September 28, 2013 at 7:03 am

This is a very serious development. The Minister of Agriculture is threading on very dangerous grounds whilst the Chinese are bent on taking over Guyana.
apretoute September 28, 2013 at 7:37 am

This is the ZENITH of the conspiracy. NOW DONALD RAMOTAR IS SELLING THE OCEAN. This is indeed the end. When the chinese get their claws onto this industry, that will be the end of the local fishing industry. Around the Caribbean everyone is trying to protect their natural resources from these parasites, but the Government of Guyana is moving in the opposite direction.
I trust that their numerous supporters are seeing the writing on the wall. There will be nothing left for them. REMEMBER EVERYTHING COMES WITH A PRICE. I wonder how much the chinese are paying?
Burch01 September 28, 2013 at 9:10 am

Look for the ‘under the table’ deal.
raja25 September 28, 2013 at 12:47 pm

I as, a guyanese citizen enquired about getting trawler licence, and was told that we are setting up a protected area so as not to deplete fishing reserves and as such no new licence would be issued, what has changed since last year when I enquired,
maybe I should be getting a Chinese citizenship.
1. apretoute September 28, 2013 at 3:59 pm
  
  This is what I have been talking about for years. When Guyanese can unite there will be no room for parasites, the likes of te chinese, since we will be able to have proper governance, and will be able to hold them accountable without fear of being gunned down in the streets.
apretoute September 28, 2013 at 4:05 pm

Leslie is now in the BIG LEAGUE! We know that China’s pocket has no bottom. Leslie is doing the PEOPLE’S PARASITIC PARTY a great service with this venture.