Minister Hellen Adoa Threatens to Close L.Victoria for 3 Months If Fish Decline Continues

By: Kyeyune Ali

State Minister for Agriculture,Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa threatened to close Lake Victoria if the habits of the fish mongers and other lake users don’t change.

The Minister while addressing press at Uganda Media Centre today, she has revealed eight resolutions that were reached at with the aim of fighting the declining fish species in Lake Victoria.

According to Minister, the resolutions were passed in a meeting held and attended by Uganda fish processors and exporters Association, Commander Fisheries protection Unit, fishermen and lake users panel, fisheries technical staff and Ministry of Agriculture to find solutions to different challenges on the lake.

“Among the resolutions we reached at, small boats of below 28 feet must leave the lake immediately and those found with them will face huge penalties.

Those fishing mukene should use nets of 2mm size and above and also fishing should be done by only those who are licenced and sold to only those entitled entities.” Hon. Minister.

She added that through these resolutions they will be able to fight the decline of Nile pench in lake Victoria which has led to decline in supply of fish thus leading to closure of many factories.

Adoa adds that those found to have violated these resolutions put in place will be arrested.

The resolutions

1. All small boats below 28ft to leave the lake immediately.

2. All silver fishers to use nets of size 10mm and above

3. All Nile Pench fishers must use Gillnets of maximum of 3 panels (78meshes and 90 meters).

4. All those dealing in fish maw trade must obtain it from designated points.

5. All fish maw leaving the landing sites must be accompanied with a fish movement permit indicating the landing of origin 

6. All fish smoking must be done at the landing site within designated areas by licensed artisanal fish processor.

7. FPU to deploy at all boarder points to check on entry of illegal gears and exit of immature fish.

The last one is all about fish on Transit should be checked at the boarder point by the Fisheries inspectors and failure to follow the guidelines, definitely the Minister in charge of Fisheries will have no option but to close the lake for 3 months starting in December this year