Fishing gear worth Shs1.5bln burnt in Kagadi
The local leadership emphasized the need for compliance with fishing regulations,.
Kagadi: In a decisive effort to tackle illegal fishing practices, the Kagadi Security Team, led by Resident District Commissioner Lillian Ruteraho, burned fishing gear valued at 1.5 billion Ugandan shillings at Kitebere Landing Site on Lake Albert.
This operation underscores the ongoing battle against destructive fishing methods that threaten the lake’s fish populations and the livelihoods of local communities.
Ruteraho highlighted the significance of this action, stating it was part of a broader initiative to protect the lake’s resources.
The District Fisheries Officer, Francis Gwazo, noted that acceptable fishing gear must have a minimum mesh size of four inches to prevent overfishing and environmental degradation.
Despite the challenges faced by authorities, including community resistance and attacks from pirates, Sector Commander Afande Shaban affirmed their commitment to enforcing regulations.
Earlier in May, similar efforts by the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) had resulted in the destruction of illegal gear worth 1.4 billion shillings in the same district.
The recent operation serves as a stern warning to fishermen using illegal equipment, with 17 suspects being remanded or convicted for their activities.
While some local fishermen lamented their losses from the destruction of gear, the ongoing fight against illegal fishing has been recognized as crucial for sustainable fishing practices.
In a related context, illegal fishing has also been targeted in Buliisa District, where the FPU arrested 42 suspects and seized prohibited gear.
The local leadership emphasized the need for compliance with fishing regulations, particularly following a controversial decision by President Yoweri Museveni to return confiscated gear to Congolese fishermen.
To address these issues, Parliament has imposed an 8 percent levy on exported fish and is considering creating a special fund to help local fishermen acquire standard fishing gear, thereby reducing reliance on illegal methods.
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