Study needed on effects of oil drilling on fishing industry

Dec 01, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,

Kaieteur News – The fishing community is increasingly worried about the impact of the nascent energy industry on fishing industry. Many people, several communities on the coast and the riverbanks are hurting badly. They can’t make a living in fishing. They need help. Thousands of jobs tied to fishing are at stake.
It is imperative we know the impact of oil and gas drilling on the fishing industry and on marine life and take steps to address any problems. “Fisher folk” complain of low catch. Many of them attribute declining catch to drilling and oil spill near the drilling sites that dispersed far away scaring off schools of fish. Is drilling and oil production really the cause of low catch?
When I studied biology over forty years ago for my BS, in my first year course, I had to do lab experiments on the impact of noise (and other issues) on fish life. The experiments showed that fish swam away with increased level of noise and or powerful wave movement. It would seem to suggest from that simple experiment that oil drilling would impact on migratory pattern of fish. Marine biologists also claim that the oil industry impact on fish life. So if indeed, this happens, then it would explain low catch by fishermen in Guyana waters or fishing fields near drilling areas.
Scientists who claim they did studies in Ghana and Nigerian waters said oil drilling did not affect the fishing industry. But proper, authentic scientific studies are needed on the impact of oil and gas drilling and production as well as oil and gas pollutants (oil spills, etc.) on fishing in Guyana waters. Is it any different from say, the impact of drilling on fishing in Trinidad, Surinam, and Venezuelan waters – all being our neighbours?
If the fishing industry is affected, shutting down oil operations is not the solution, as some have suggested. But everyone tied to the fishing industry should receive some form of compensation or subsidy for gas or grants to allow them to remain in the industry. Steps should be taken to reduce the effects of drilling (including oil spills) on fishing. Noise reduction and anti-oil pollutants measures are required.
We must not allow drilling to ruin the fishing industry. Exxon must be required to take mitigating steps to protect the livelihood of those tied to the fishing industry.
Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram

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