The government has destroyed illegal fishing nets worth Sh4 million in Homa Bay as the crackdown to bring sanity to fishing in Lake Victoria continues.
Kenya Fisheries Services in partnership with security officers set ablaze the illegal gear.
Deputy Director in charge of Western Region Christine Etiegni and Homa Bay County commissioner Moses Lilan said they destroyed the nets after obtaining a court order.
He said bad fishing methods have resulted in the general decline of the fish population in Lake Victoria.
The move is aimed at conserving, managing and developing the fisheries resources.
“The crackdown is done ostensibly to eradicate the use of unauthorized nets which promote unsustainable fishing in Lake Victoria. We will continue until sanity is brought in the fishing sector,” Etiegni said.
While destroying the nets at Homa Bay police station in Homa Bay town on Monday, Etiegni said they are collaborating with Beach Management Unit officials to succeed in the exercise.
KFS also involves fisher folk in sensitisation around the lake to enable them to practice lawful fishing.
Etiegni said beaches in Suba North, Karachuonyo and Suba South constituencies are the most affected.
“Many people source their livelihoods from fishing and we’re focused on sustainable practice. KFS together with security officials is working closely with BMU officers to achieve its mandate,” he said.
Lilan said restoring sanity includes the fight of drugs which he claimed are being peddled in the lake.
He said some unscrupulous people solicit funds from fishermen under the pretext of providing security to them.
The suspects are accused of engaging in illegal businesses like selling drugs and outlawed fishing nets.
Lilan said they have mapped out beaches prone to illegal fishing activities.
According to the county commissioner, bad fishing practices have led to the extinction of some fish species.
All fishermen were urged to register their boats and obtain licenses before January next year.
“We have laws that govern fishing practices in Lake Victoria and those who violate them are apprehended. People who peddle drugs and promote child labour in the lake are equally criminals and must be dealt with,” Lilan said.
