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Rubirizi, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Fisheries Protection Unit-FPU has burnt 1,000 illegal fishing nets and impounded 40 boats in Rubirizi District.
The fishing gear was impounded during operations to crack down on poor fishing methods on the landing sites of Kashaka, Mahyoro and Kasenyi on Lake George.
Lt Bernard Baingana, who led the operations, said that the fishermen used the election season to engage in illegal fishing activities. He said that they allowed the fishermen to use the 4.5-inch nets after several complaints were raised against the 5-inch nets.
Zaituni Kajurizi, a boat owner welcomed the resumption of the operations noting they have been making losses because of some fishermen who use illegal gear and sell the immature fish at a cheaper price.
According to Zaituni, despite investing a lot of money in the fishing business because, some fishermen are frustrating their businesses by engaging in illegal fishing activities.
Ronald Kyigabo Kyomukama Chairman LCI Chairperson Kashaka landing site blamed the increase in the use of illegal fishing gear on the disbanding of fishing committees.
He said that many fishermen without licenses have taken advantage of the absence of the committees to return to the lake and use the illegal fishing gear.
Annet Tumusiime, a business lady at the Mayhoro landing site asked soldiers to double their efforts and collaborate with fishermen to curb illegal fishing activities.
More than 50,000 illegal boats have been destroyed, tons of illegal nets burnt and more than 2,000 fishermen arrested and taken to courts of law since the inception of the Fisheries Protection Unit.
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