This archive report was first published on 15 January 2020.
Published on January 15, 2020, a conservation lobby group in Busia, Save Fish in Lake Victoria, has joined forces with the Kenya Coast Guard Service to combat illegal fishing in Lake Victoria.
The group's chairman, Joseph Odongo, expressed concerns over the increasing use of prohibited nets in Budalang'i, Busia, and neighboring counties, leading to an influx of immature fish, particularly Nile perch and Tilapia species, in the market despite clear regulations.
According to Odongo, the fishing communities have ignored their appeals to adhere to self-regulation procedures, with some locals using toxic substances to kill fish.
"It is unfortunate that some fisheries officers have been working with unscrupulous fishermen to advance illegal fishing. We are working closely with the Kenya Coast Guard to ensure the vice is tamed," Odongo said.
As part of their efforts, the group will conduct frequent patrols in the lake starting next week to arrest those using banned monofilament nets.
The Kenya Coast Guard Service, led by Director General Brig Vincent Loonena, has pledged to tackle illegal commercial activities in Kenya's waters, warning that those breaching fishing regulations, including dumping harmful wastes and pollutants, will face consequences.
Loonena emphasized the importance of observing fishing and marine regulations, both in Kenyan and foreign waters, and vowed to collaborate with other government agencies and Ugandan colleagues to ensure smooth operations in Lake Victoria.
Kenya loses up to USD100 million annually from illegal fishing, despite maritime resources contributing only 2.5 per cent to the country's GDP.
