GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP):

Authorities in Guyana are installing submersible radios and GPS systems on fishing boats to fight an increase in pirate attacks off the country's southeastern coast.

Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud has urged fishermen to register for the voluntary programme, saying it would help authorities find them in an emergency. He also says the government will soon create a fund to help them replace any stolen equipment, with fishermen contributing an undetermined sum each month.

Pirates killed at least nine fishermen last year and have stolen hauls of fish, nets and even small boats off the coasts of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.