Dear Editor,
The production of oil and gas offshore Guyana is once again being labeled responsible for the low fish catch being experienced by fisherfolk. On April 4 and 7, articles appeared in the Kaieteur News titled “Pritipaul Singh exports drop to two containers monthly from 20, as catches reduce offshore” and “Fishing company owner fears chemicals used in Exxon’s operations affecting catches,” respectively.
The articles suggest that due to the operations offshore, the company is facing financial hardship.
However, while fisherfolk blame the oil and gas sector for their low fish catch, studies have shown that the industry is not linked to this decrease. In a 2021 study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) it was highlighted that it is climate change that has affected fish catch, not oil and gas production.
According to the study, the reduced catches were attributed to the freshwater going farther out to sea due to the heavy rainfall.
As a result, the salinity of the water impacted the migration patterns of the fish, which has zero correlation to the oil and gas industry whatsoever. I think we can all agree that climate change is real and has real effects that affect everyone. This is evident with countries worldwide investing heavily to combat climate change.
Additionally, the articles also indicated that since 2015, the fishing company has been experiencing low fish catch. However, oil production in Guyana commenced in 2019. Also, it is a fact, according to reports, that Guyana has seen a declining trend since 2013, two years before the discovery of oil. According to data pulled by ERM (Enterprise Risk Management) Guyana Inc. from the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Guyana, and the Ministry of Agriculture, fishery yields declined between 2013 and 2015.
It must be noted that this is a coincidental link, given that exploration and drilling activities have been happening for years before the start-up of production and have produced no reports of reduced fish catches. It can, therefore, be concluded that the reduced catches are seasonal and depend on climate conditions and the migratory patterns of the fish.
On this basis, I would strongly advise that before publishing articles on such sensitive matters that affect the bread and butter of thousands of people, we rely on proven research and studies and not information that is deliberately misleading.
Your’s truly,
Donald Singh
