The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV) has signed an agreement with the Suriname Coast Guard to conduct joint sailing patrols in the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in our waters. An amount of SRD 2.4 million will be made available to the Suriname Coastguard for this purpose. Illegal fishing has been rampant in our waters for years due to lack of control.

Furthermore, illegal fishing poses a serious threat to the conservation of our fish stocks. Due to the intense smuggling of fish, the state is losing enormous income. Illegal fishing also threatens the safety of our legal fishermen, who are also severely disadvantaged by unfair competition.

Weekly joint sailing patrols will be carried out by the various controlling authorities under the coordination of the Coastguard Suriname. The other controlling authorities, in particular the Navy and the Maritime Police, offer their support by making men and equipment available.

Effectively tackling illegal fishing should result in reducing the great pressure exerted on our fishing resources and increasing the supply of fish in Suriname. This will create opportunities for investments in fish processing, resulting in more employment, an increase in exports and more foreign exchange income.

In view of the threats posed by IUU fishing, it is necessary that control patrols take place on a structural basis, but this comes with a high price tag. It is of paramount importance that the necessary financial resources are made available for the continuation and optimization of water monitoring.

MORE