Buliisa fishermen resort to illegal fishing amid licensing challenges
He urged fishermen to comply with the regulations and warned against attempts to circumvent government policies through corruption.
Buliisa: Fishermen in Buliisa District have reportedly turned to illegal fishing practices following the enforcement of a presidential directive banning the use of illegal fishing gear and artificial lights on Lake Albert.
The situation has been linked to challenges surrounding the issuance of fishing licenses and the enforcement of fisheries regulations, leaving many fishermen struggling to adapt to the new requirements.
Speaking to this news portal, Seremosi Kamuturaki, the Chairperson of the Buliisa District Fisheries Management Committee, said the directive has pushed some fishermen to continue operating illegally using prohibited fishing methods.
“The presidential directive against illegal fishing methods has left many fishermen without alternatives. Some have continued fishing illegally using banned gear because government has not yet resumed issuing fishing licenses,” Kamuturaki said.
He explained that the absence of a licensing process has created uncertainty among fishermen, making enforcement difficult.
“At the moment, fishermen with legal fishing gear and those without licenses are not being arrested because licensing has not yet resumed. This has created confusion within the fishing communities,” he added.
Kamuturaki noted that although the use of artificial lights during night fishing has significantly reduced, a section of fishermen continues to engage in the practice.
“Many fishermen who depended on light fishing have shifted their operations to Kikuube District, but some are still using lights despite the ban,” he said.
The fisheries committee chairperson also revealed that fishing activity at landing sites has drastically declined, with the number of boats reducing from over 200 to about 30 at most landing sites.
“The number of boats operating on the lake has dropped sharply. Previously, some landing sites had more than 200 boats, but now there are only about 30 licensed boats expected to operate, although some fishermen continue to fish illegally,” Kamuturaki explained.
To address the growing challenge of illegal fishing, fisheries authorities plan to establish management committees at all landing sites. The committees will work closely with law enforcement agencies, including the UPDF, to enforce fisheries regulations and ensure compliance.
According to Kamuturaki, each landing site will be allocated 33 licensed boats that will be permitted to fish on Lake Albert. He urged fishermen to comply with the regulations and warned against attempts to circumvent government policies through corruption.
“Fishermen must adapt to the current regulations. Corruption and bribery will not change government policy or eliminate destructive fishing practices that threaten the future of Lake Albert’s fisheries,” he emphasized.
Authorities hope that the planned measures will promote sustainable fishing practices and help restore order in the fisheries sector while protecting fish stocks on Lake Albert.
Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.
