The Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) in Greater Masaka took action to safeguard the local aquatic environment by destroying over one tonne of immature Nile perch and five boxes of seized illegal fishing nets in Kalungu District. The disposal was carried out at the FPU Base in Kasijjagirwa barracks on January 31, following a directive from the Masaka Magistrates Court.
The illicit fishing nets and boxes containing immature fish were confiscated at Kalangala landing site in Bukulula Sub-county, Kalungu District. Joseph Kasumba, the Kalungu District Assistant Fisheries Officer, revealed that the operation leading to the seizure was prompted by the FPU discovering these items abandoned by fishermen who fled to avoid arrest.
It is suspected that the fishermen had received advance information about the impending FPU operation, prompting them to abandon the immature fish and illegal nets at the landing site. When inspected, the boxes were found to contain both immature fish and illegal fishing gear.
Mr. Kasumba attributed the persistent issue of illegal fishing to porous borders, providing an entry point for unscrupulous individuals to bring illegal fishing gear into the country. The interception of five boxes of new monofilament fishing nets by PPU soldiers along Kalisizo Ddimo road further underscores the challenges faced in curbing illegal fishing practices.
Greater Masaka FPU sector commander, Mr. Katamba Ssemakula, urged fishermen to refrain from illegal practices due to their adverse effects on the economy and the environment. He emphasized the importance of conserving water resources for future generations.
Deputy RDC for Masaka District, Mr. John Bosco Lubyayi, called for increased human resource support for Greater Masaka FPU to effectively monitor the numerous landing sites in the area. Despite the existence of the FPU team on Lake Victoria, illegal fishing persists.
This recent action follows a similar operation in December 2023, where the FPU destroyed illegal fishing gear and seized over 3 tonnes of immature fish in Kalungu District.
