MWANZA: THE government is set to have at least five drones for marine resources surveillance nationwide, it has been revealed.
Among them, two are designated for Lake Victoria, affirmed the Director of Fisheries in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Professor Mohammed Sheikh, this week during a meeting to gather stakeholders’ views on proposed amendments to fishing regulations.
According to him, the first drone for Lake Victoria will arrive in the country by this coming February and become operational before the end of the current fiscal year, as the bidder is already in place.
Fishing stakeholders from other countries have been invited to share their experiences in applying modern technologies for marine species protection.
“Training for relevant personnel is also in progress. The amended regulations, therefore, must include the use of drones for marine resource protection because, currently, evidence collected by drones related to illegal fishing has not been officially recognised,” said the Director.
Similarly, the amended regulations will address the use of buoys to protect fish breeding sites, as the current rules do not outline possible punishments for fishers conducting activities in these areas.
ALSO READ: Govt, experts commit to enhancing fish safety, technology
Additionally, the installation of larger and more visible buoys in water bodies nationwide is set to commence soon to eliminate excuses from fishers found operating in fish breeding sites.
“The amended document will also include planning and mapping water bodies to designate special areas for traditional fishing and modern fish-cage farming. This aims to prevent potential conflicts between the two practices.
“Overall, the government continues to create a conducive business environment in the sector to attract more investors and enhance national income,” he stressed.
The meeting participants, including the Chairperson of Cooperative Societies of the International Fish Market Mwaloni-Kirumba, Mr Erasto Bolosha, commended the use of drones to improve the situation in Lake Victoria.
In his observation, such a plan could effectively eliminate illegal fishing, which continues to deplete Lake Victoria’s resources.
However, he proposed that, while the use of drones is being prepared, seasonal fishing, particularly for Nile perch, should be implemented—similar to the approach used for sardines—to allow fish populations to replenish.
He noted that fishing pressure on the lake fluctuates, with the use of illegal fishing tools known as “kokoro”, hence, contributing to the premature harvesting of marine products, especially Nile perch, affecting both local and international markets.
For her part, the Executive Secretary of the Tanzania Fish Workers Association (TWFA), Ms Fatma Katulla, supported seasonal fishing and called for intensified efforts to combat illegal activities, targeting fishers, buyers, and consumers.
“Fishing is a lucrative business for small, medium, and large traders, but illegal activities in Lake Victoria hold us back,” she lamented.
