Fisherfolk body urges public to ignore rumours, continue buying local fish

The Guyana National Fisherfolk Organisation (GNFO) is urging the public not to be swayed by misinformation circulating on social media, warning that unfounded claims about the safety of locally caught fish are hurting thousands of people who depend on the fishing industry for their livelihoods. In a statement on Saturday, the organisation said there is no scientific evidence to support claims that fish sold in Guyana is unsafe to eat. “The Atlantic Ocean covers approximately 106 million square kilometres, and commercial fish are harvested from vast fishing grounds—not from one isolated location,” the GNFO said. “The fish commonly caught for food are not dependent on human remains as a food source, and there is no scientific basis for avoiding seafood.” The organisation said social media posts discouraging people from eating fish are spreading fear rather than facts and are already affecting the livelihoods of those who work across the fisheries sector. Fishing is a major source of employment in Guyana, supporting thousands of fishers, fish vendors, processors, transport operators and market workers. The sector also contributes significantly to food security and export earnings. The GNFO warned that when consumers stop buying fish because of rumours, the economic impact extends far beyond those who catch the fish. “It is these hardworking families who suffer,” the organisation said, urging the public to continue supporting local fishing communities. The organisation also called on people to verify information before sharing it online and to rely on credible, science-based information when making decisions. “The best way to support our fishing communities is to rely on facts, avoid spreading rumours and continue supporting our local fishing industry,” the statement said. The appeal was issued by GNFO Secretary Renita Joseph, who encouraged Guyanese to show solidarity with the country’s fishing communities by rejecting misinformation and supporting one of the country’s oldest and most important industries.