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– vessels must have monitoring system by next JulyBy Leonard GildarieFacing dwindling stocks and a growing need for more protection, a widespread overhaul is coming to Guyana’s fishing industry that will reduce the number of operating trawlers by January 1, 2011.Already,Cheap NFL Jerseys, members of the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors (GATOSP) are considering a proposal that could reduce its fleet of fishing vessels by at least 20%.Part of the revamp of the industry will also involve a restructuring of the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and the introduction of a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) to offer assistance to distressed boats and enforce their stay within the fishing zones.These were among some of the measures under consideration yesterday as a number of GATOSP members met with Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, to give an update of their plans to make the industry more sustainable. Also at the meeting at the Ministry were representatives of the Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration (MARAD).Currently there are just over 100 trawlers from the seafood processors registered by MARAD. About eight of the licences are, however, dormant and the association yesterday recommended that authorities revoke them before any decision is taken to start reducing the number of licences issued.It was suggested that,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, in the first instance, only the trawlers belonging to the seafood processors would reduce their fleet, in an effort to protect the livelihoods of the private fishing boat owners.Also at the meeting were GATOSP’s President, Leslie Ramalho and Denzil Roberts, Chief Fisheries Officers (ag).One of the biggest concerns of operators is the very real threat faced over the reduction of catches. It was pointed out that in addition to smaller fish and shrimp, there is also the fact of unregulated boats which step in and out of the exclusive economic zones at will, further challenging efforts to sustain the industry.Already, neighbouring Suriname has restricted the number of trawlers allowed to fish and has mandated all vessels in the industry to be equipped with VMS to further restrict illegal fishing.It was also agreed that a local practice of licences for fishing vessels being “transferred” or used on other boats, would not be allowed.Yesterday,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, Minister Persaud noted that there are a growing number of complaints over conflicts between artisanal (privately owned small boats) and industrial vessels with key issues of safety also surfacing.Recently, there was an explosion in the engine room of a fishing trawler in the North West District,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, which left the captain missing and several crewmembers badly burned.According to Persaud, while the recommendation to reduce the number of trawlers to protect the industry was laudable, caution must be exercised since there are the very real issues of loss of employment and reduction of economic activities.The Fisheries Department, as a result, will be tasked with formulating a workable proposal regarding the reduction of licences, which will then have to be taken to the association.Meanwhile,Cheap NFL Jerseys, a special committee that will work to introduce the Vessel Monitoring System by July 2011 will have to be established. This body will comprise representatives of GATOSP,Wholesale Jerseys Cheap, the Fisheries Department, Coast Guard and MARAD.Just one year ago, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), which Guyana is part of, had met with fishermen to discuss “Caribbean Fisheries: Sinking or Swimming in Uncertain Water”.One particular issue raised was the over-exploitation of particular fishing grounds and possible measures to further educate stakeholders.Deputy Executive Director of the CRFM, Milton Haughton,Wholesale Jerseys NFL, told fisheries stakeholders who participated, that Ministers responsible for Fisheries had adopted a proposal by the Caribbean Regional Fisherfolk Network to be recognized as the regional representative body for the fisherfolk in the Region, in policy decisions taken at the state and regional levels.