Illegal fishing remains a serious challenge in Lake Victoria despite a
prolonged campaign to curb the problem in the world’s second largest
inland water body shared by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
Tanzanian officials are still trying to stop the use of dangerous
fishing gear with little success.
Illegal fishing is still a huge problem in Lake Victoria. We are
working around the clock to control it but some illegal fishermen are
coming from districts surrounding the lake, the Rorya District
Commissioner (DC), Mr Elias Goroi, told the Daily News’ early this week.
Rorya is one of the districts found in the lake zone regions with
thousands of people relying on fishing as the major source of
livelihood. But, illegal fishing has continued to threaten fish stocks
in the lake for many years.
Officials have also established some illegal fishermen found catching
fish on the Tanzanian side originate from the two neighbouring East
African sister countries.
And, at times the illegal fishermen engage in fights while in the
lake, DC Goroi said. He cited lack of effective patrolling facilities
as one of the major problems hampering anti- illegal fishing campaign in
the area.
Mara Regional Authorities are planning new ways designed to tackle
illegal fishing, according to latest reports from the Regional
Commissioner’s Office.
Last Month, Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda said Mara stands a better
chance of more economic gains if fishermen practice sustainable fishing.
2012 Tanzania Standard (Newspapers) Ltd