ExxonMobil is rejecting the assertion that its Liza Phase 1 operations will negatively impact in a significant manner Guyana’s fishing industry; a view posited by a number of vocal critics of the Government’s deal with the US oil major and one recently highlighted in a daily publication.
A recent report indicated that oil production in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana will effectively lead to a ban on commercial fishing. ExxonMobil through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited and joint venture partners HESS and CNOOC Nexen is scheduled to commence petroleum production by March 2020 at a rate of 120,000 barrels per day.
In a social media information post, ExxonMobil Guyana said that the exclusion zone is less than 1% of the Stabroek Block. The exclusion zone is the area in which fishing is restricted.
“Our operations in 2020 will have a two nautical mile radius marine safety exclusion zone…minimal in comparison to the size of Guyana’s marine environment still available for fishing activities. Our operations are 190km offshore and it has been observed that most fishing activity in Guyana is well inshore of our Project Operation Area,” the information sharing post said.”
