ANALYSIS: Fishing in the dark on Lake Victoria

Regional competition, cooperation

But according to some reports, some of the competition comes from neighboring countries Kenya and Tanzania which share the lake with Uganda and appear to be reaping more from it.

A 2008 study titled “Lake Victoria Fish Stocks and the Effects of Water Hyacinths on the Catch-ability of Fish” published under the Environment for Development Paper series, shows that Uganda has the biggest number of boats but catches the least fish. The average catch per boat in Uganda is 12 tonnes, compared to 20 tonnes for Kenya and 19 for Tanzania. The data cited in the study was up to 2000. At the time, maximum catch on the late was 269,490 tonnes with Uganda contributing 64,735, Tanzania 103, 386 and Kenya 101, 339. So, why is Uganda’s fish catch so low?

Unconfirmed reports allege that most of Kenya’s catch is, in fact, caught in Uganda and traded and processed in Kenya. Mgingo Islan on Lake Victoria, which has been the center of territorial dispute between Uganda and Kenya, is said to be at the center of the controversial trade. But Kenyan politicians deny `stealing’ Uganda fish.

The most recent denial came from loud-mouthed Kenya opposition leader Raila Odinga on Nov. 28. He reportedly said: “Why are Museveni and his security officers frustrating Kenyan fishermen, accusing them of encroaching on their waters? One cannot identify which fish is from the Ugandan or Kenyan waters.”

According to a widely reported statement in Kenyan newspapers, Raila Odinga reportedly said if Ugandan authorities are serious in ensuring Kenyans catch fish that only originate from Kenya, “then the Ugandan government should mark Ugandan fish”.

Tough laws ahead

As the war of words rages, all three governments – Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda – appear to be putting in place tough laws to ensure that fish in Lake Victoria remains a sustainable resource.

On Dec.5, the County Assembly of the Kenyan city of Kisumu passed a law prescribing two-year jail terms for fishermen caught using illegal gear and chemicals. Kenya already has tough laws regulating fishing that are implemented by the Kenya Maritime Authority under the national government.

In November, Tanzania authorities ordered the Lake Victoria town of Mwanza to tighten patrols against illegal fishing. Tanzania also has a robust fisheries development program.

On the Ugandan side, the Fisheries Director; Rukuunya says the government plans to control fishing by limiting entry through registration, licensing and issuance of Fishing Vessel Identification Plates for boats. The government will also set up a Fisheries Regulatory body and operationalise and strengthen the National Fisheries Enforcement Task Force and back it with an Agriculture Police.

Meanwhile, according to their leader Borel, the fish processors have since 2007 when they started realising dwindling catches had in place a self-policing system in which they committed to not buy under-sized fish. Together, these interventions can hopefully allow fish stock in the lake to increase.

****

editor@independent.co.ug