The Standards, Utilities, and Wildlife Court in Masaka District has issued an order for the destruction of 60 tonnes of immature fish, along with impounded fishing gear, as requested by the Kalungu assistant fisheries officer, Mr Joseph Kasumba. The court ruling came after the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) seized the immature fish in Kalungu District, deeming it unfit for human consumption.
The presiding chief magistrate, Ms Gladys Kamasanyu, emphasized the importance of preventing the catching of immature fish, warning that it not only impacts revenue but also poses a threat to fish populations. The immature fish and fishing gear were confiscated from the home of Mr Sulaiman Kaweesi in Kyamulibwa Town Council on December 13.
In addition to the 60 tonnes of immature fish, the court ordered the destruction of 26 bags of beach seines, 1,872 pieces of mono filament nets, and four bags of salt, which were used to preserve the immature fish before drying.
Mr Lauben Ndifuna, the Fish Protection Unit spokesperson, commented on the court ruling, stating that it should serve as a warning to those engaging in illegal fishing activities. He highlighted the adverse effects of illegal fishing on the industry and the potential for the closure of fishing operations if such practices persist.
The Fisheries Protection Unit was established by the government to combat illegal fishing across various water bodies in the country. Earlier this month, the FPU, in collaboration with authorities in the districts of Mpigi and Kalungu, conducted a crackdown on illegal fishermen at landing sites along Lake Victoria. The operation resulted in the impounding of 32 illegal boats, the arrest of 90 fishermen, and the discovery of 40 tonnes of immature Nile Perch fish hidden in a suspect’s home.
Mr Kasumba expressed the challenges faced in combating illegal fishing, noting that some fishermen have proven to be difficult to apprehend.
