Latest update April 4th, 2025 12:14 AM
Concerns grow over impacts of ExxonM’s operation on fishing industry
Kaieteur News- American oil major, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), is continuing to face questions about the impact of its operations on the local fishing industry, with fishermen complaining about low catches.
A citizen questioning ExxonMobil about the impact of its operations on local fish catches
During a public scoping meeting for the Longtail project- Exxon’s eight planned deep water development- a citizen asked the operator whether there is any direct impact on fishing that can cause reduced catches. To this end, the company’s Projects Environmental and Regulatory Manager, Mariya Skocik, explained that studies conducted so far for the various oil projects in Guyana point to natural fluctuation in fish stock.
She noted that since 2019, ExxonMobil has been conducting a number of fish studies in Guyana. One of those assessments- on fish stock- includes visiting the markets to measure the weight, size, and overall health of the fish. Another study that the company has been rolling out is specific to fisherfolk. “The parallel piece of work that’s happening is around the general fisherfolk, so we have team members that go to the landing areas, interview fishermen (on) what are their fishing practices, how far do they go, what are they seeing. So, all of that together does show that there is natural fluctuation in fish stock,” Skocik informed the gathering.
Further, she explained that Bank of Guyana reports have also made similar findings where fish catch is concerned. The Exxon representative also noted that since data prior to the startup of oil production was limited, Exxon could not compare the information collected so far to earlier data to make a conclusion.
Meanwhile, with regard to statistics recorded in other countries where Exxon operates, the company noted that it is practice for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be conducted for each project. According to the Environmental Manager, “Environmental Impact Assessments are one of the practices that we always implement. We mention that we are committed to safety and environment, and it’s one of the fundamental ways to assess the impacts, ensure we have all the mitigations to minimize those impacts.”
As such, Exxon was asked whether the trend here, with regard to lower catches, is consistent with the company’s operations in other countries. For the oil giant, making such a conclusion was not possible.
“It’s all location-specific. I would really speculate if I try to compare one location to the other. There are so many factors, sensitivity of the fish, fishing practices, what else is happening, if there’s natural fluctuation, so it’s not apple for apple. I can’t say,” the Environmental and Regulatory Manager related.
ExxonMobil operations and fish
Consecutive studies conducted by ExxonMobil have warned of the imminent danger to marine species, including fish. Recently, this newspaper reported that another study done by Exxon confirmed that marine life, including fish, can be affected by poor water quality as a result of the planned petroleum activities.
The EIA for the Hammerhead project- Exxon’s seventh development- states, “The project might affect marine fish due to the degradation of water quality as a result of the permitted vessel discharges described above, through acoustic impacts, through localized changes in distribution, and habitat usage due to altered bottom habitats and the presence of Project infrastructure, through attraction to artificial light, and through the potential to entrain (suck in) fish eggs and larvae at cooling water intakes.”
Discharge from the project includes ballast water, produced water (which, according to the study, may contain oil, grease, and other chemicals), domestic and sanitary waste (containing chlorine and bacteria), as well as bilge water (which may also contain oil and grease). These discharges are expected to be treated by ExxonMobil to meet certain standards prior to being discharged overboard.
(Concerns grow over impacts of ExxonM’s operation on fishing industry)
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