Tanzania claims success in its fight against illegal fishing

DODOMA: THE Tanzanian government said it has effectively strengthened the management of fisheries resources through patrol operations that led to the seizure of illegal fishing gear and the arrest of suspects violating fisheries laws and regulations,  the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, has disclosed today.

Presenting the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries budget for the 2026/2027 financial year in Dodoma on May 14, 2026, Dr Bashiru said the operations resulted in the confiscation of 4,768 beach seine nets, 2,167 makila nets, 475 sardine fishing nets, and 948 trawl nets, including a 700-metre trawl net seized in Uvinza District Council.

He said other confiscated items included 99,680 metres of trawling ropes, 63 mosquito nets, 434 paddle canoes, 124 boat engines, 22 fuel tanks, and 172 boats. Authorities also seized 12,720.81 kilograms of immature fish and 4,312 kilograms of juvenile live crabs.

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According to the minister, a total of 1,047 suspects involved in illegal fishing activities contrary to fisheries laws, regulations, and procedures were arrested and taken to legal authorities for further action.

He added that the ministry has continued providing practical education to fishing communities in Mwanza, Kagera, Geita, Kigoma, and Simiyu regions to increase awareness of sustainable fishing practices and conservation of aquatic resources.

In another development, Ambassador Dr Bashiru said that by April 2026, fish production in the country had increased by 10.02 percent to reach 659,242.69 tonnes, compared to 599,200.33 tonnes recorded during the same period in 2025.