Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha on Wednesday stressed the importance of stronger scientific research to guide investment in Guyana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Minister Mustapha opined that increased production must go hand in hand with protecting livelihoods and the environment.
He emphasised that research is not an academic exercise conducted in isolation, but a powerful tool for solving real-world problems.
The remark was made as he delivered the feature address at the ministry’s Fisheries Department’s second annual Fisheries Research Symposium at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus.
A sum of $1.5 billion has been allocated for fisheries development to support improvements in infrastructure, monitoring and aquaculture in 2026.
These investments benefit the wider fisheries value chain, including vendors, processors, transport operators and businesses.
“Our responsibility is to strengthen the entire fisheries value chain so that more of the wealth generated by this investment remains in Guyana and contributes to national development,” he said.
The agriculture minister stressed that reliable research will help identify the most suitable aquaculture production systems, reduce losses and determine where additional investment would have the greatest impact.
Accurate information about fish stocks and aquatic habitats is also essential to supporting communities whose livelihoods depend on fishing.
He also called for greater attention to how changes in fisheries production affect household incomes, employment, food security and opportunities for women and young people.
While increasing output remained a priority, he warned that growth which damages fish populations, habitats or water quality could not be sustained.
A new mural was unveiled to commemorate the fishery sector’s achievements.
The event was themed, “From Knowledge to Action: Building Resilient Fisheries to Protect Food Security in Guyana.”
