WWF concerned over new seabob fishing licences

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has expressed concern over the Ministry of Agriculture’s recent approval of two trawler licences for the Atlantic seabob trade, which its local office here has said could lead to overfishing, the loss of trade certification  and collapse of the industry.

As a result, the WWF Guianas’ local office has written to Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha seeking clarification  on the context in which the licences were granted. “…We would be grateful if you can provide any information you may have in relation to this matter,” Aiesha Williams, Guyana Country Manager for the WWF Guianas, wrote in the December 11th letter, saying there was need to better understand the context in which the licences were issued.

Williams also expressed concern over the reported issuance of the new licences in a manner that could have “deep implications” for the country’s ability to maintain its Maritime Stewardship Council (MSC) certification over seabob.