(02/08/2011) Jinja — Fishermen and fish traders in Busia have asked the fisheries ministry to close down landing sites that have failed to stop illegal fishing methods.
Wafula Mayunga, the chairman of Bufa Cooperative Society, dealers in fisheries products, noted that despite efforts by the Government and other stakeholders to stop the practice, some communities have remained adamant.
He pointed out that use of unauthorised fishing gears could lead to depletion of fish in the lakes, which he said would affect the fisheries sector, one of the country’s major foreign exchange earners.
“There has been a lot of talking. The ministry should move to another step and close landing sites that are known to be notorious for illegal fishing practices. “This will serve as an example to others,” he said.
Mayunga was yesterday speaking in Jinja after the Police impounded 700 kilogrammes of immature fish.
The fish valued at sh3m, was being transported from Kawongo Landing Site in Kayunga district.
The traders also want the Government to set up inspection centres countrywide to save them from moving to Entebbe for the exercise.
Banuli Kamaali, another fish trader, suggested that as a measure to curb illegal fishing, committees be set up at market areas where fish is sold.
Kamaali also wants the ministry to streamline its operations. He said some officials claiming to be from the fisheries department arrest fish traders without any identification documents.
