Local fishing fleet angry at Chinese trawler plan

A Chinese commercial fishing company seeking to operate 30 vessels in Guyana faces opposition from fishermen in the South American country.

Fuzhou Hongdong Pelagic Fishery has submitted a proposal for permits to operate 120-foot trawlers and drift netters, along with up to two auxiliary boats and storage and processing facilities on land. They are also requesting unspecified tax breaks for what they say would be an investment estimated at US$70 million.

Fisheries Minister Leslie Ramsammy said on Monday the government has requested additional information from the company and has not yet made a decision.

Guyana cut its commercial fleet in 2012 to fewer than 100 vessels because of overfishing. The government said last year revenue generated by the sector had declined 6.5 per cent over the previous 12 months after it stopped issuing licenses.

The main commercial fishing organisation in Guyana is lobbying against granting the permits, and the tax breaks, to the Chinese company, which would operate with larger boats than locals.

"We don't have any more space to accommodate anybody else in the fishing grounds as these are almost fully exploited," said Leslie Ramalho, of the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors.