Mnyeti advises temporary closure of Lake Victoria to protect aquatic species
MWANZA: DEPUTY Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Mr Alexander Mnyeti, has recommended that relevant authorities and fishing stakeholders consider temporarily closing Lake Victoria to help restore its aquatic ecosystems.
He made this suggestion during the East Africa Biodiversity Conference this week, highlighting concerns over the ongoing decline of various aquatic species.
Mr Mnyeti noted that Lake Victoria has been subjected to fishing activities for several decades, leading to the gradual disappearance of some species. “We are losing particularly the non-cultured marine species.
It may be worthwhile to consider closing the lake temporarily to restore its natural balance,” he said.
He urged all stakeholders, from grassroots levels to top decision-makers, to engage in discussions about the proposed closure and determine an appropriate duration for the lake’s rest period.
The deputy minister pointed out that a similar approach was successfully implemented for Lake Tanganyika.
Experts reported that a three-month closure resulted in significant fish and sardine breeding.
He anticipates similar positive outcomes for Lake Victoria if it were allowed to rest. In addition to the temporary closure, Mr Mnyeti said the government will enhance public education on fishing practices and encourage a shift towards fish farming.
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He emphasised that fish farming is more productive and reliable than traditional fishing, which can be unpredictable.
Secretary for the Tanzania Women Fish Processing Network, Ms Fatuma Katula, supported the idea of temporarily closing Lake Victoria to boost marine species reproduction, which could ultimately benefit their business.
However, she urged the government to provide support to small entrepreneurs affected by the fishing halt.
She suggested that the government facilitate access to financial institutions offering soft loans to help these entrepreneurs engage in alternative income-generating activities.
Ms Katula also proposed that the government could use the 10 per cent loans it previously offered to special groups to expand capital and support businesses until the lake reopens.
Pangani District Fishing Officer Erica Corne also endorsed the proposal, emphasising that the benefits of closing Lake Victoria would extend beyond current generations, aiding in the regular reproduction of marine species.
Corne too supported the expansion of fish farming as a means to promote species breeding
