Overfishing of endangered species, microplastics remain threats to fisheries sector

There are over 600 fish species in Guyana but efforts to ensure endangered species are protected remain a challenge.

Speaking at a forum at the University of Guyana, Randy Bumbury, a Fisheries Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, disclosed that there are challenges with protecting endangered fish.

“Overfishing is suspected of certain high value species, notably the Arapaima,” he said.

The Arapaima fish is widely sought for its meat. A study on the fish in Guyana, conducted by foreign and local biologists, found that the Arapaima here is different from those around the world, making it critically endangered.

But it’s not just the Arapaima. The Hammerhead shark, also critically endangered, may be another stakeholders should be concerned about.

Bumbury warned that fisherfolk need to be careful about the fish caught and sold.

“As we eat shark, it means we have to be quite careful about the species that we are extracting. Measures have to be in place to ensure that these species are protected,” he said.

Guyana has policies in place to assist with monitoring fishing operations.

While systems are formed to tackle some issues, the matter of microplastics remains a constant battle.

“There’s been serious concerns over the fish having some aspects of microplastics within them, they’ve been studies done in Guyana which demonstrated that some microplastics have been found in these fishes but it’s how we can manage the situation, it means more awareness,” he said.

Microplastics eaten by fish can damage their tissues and the chemicals can be passed on to humans who consume them.