Fishing sector wants action against illegal fishing

The departure of the six Asian fishing trawlers does not signal the end of the problems of Suriname’s fishing sector. Illegal fishing is still rampant and affects the economic output of the fishing sector and the entire country. Udo Karg, chairman at the Surinamese Seafood Association (SSA), made it clear that one must not underestimate the illegal fishing issue.

“We stick to the rules but when we look at the exports from other countries which do not have any fish, it can only mean that the fish comes from our country. If they export more than us in the Caribbean and America, it just means that something is very wrong,” said the chairman who added that the fishing sector wants officials to consider tackling the illegal fishing a top priority. Whenever local fishermen meet with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Stockbreeding and Fisheries (LVV), they always mention the illegal fishing issue. “Fortunately, this minister is addressing the issue,” said Karg. Despite the fact that ships that have been registered can be tracked, some of them still manage to break the rules. There are also many foreign poachers in Surinamese waters which is why tons of Surinamese fish ends up on foreign markets and the country suffers financial losses. “The local fishing sector has estimated that if we can reduce illegal fishing with one third, we can double the number of jobs and production companies.”