Efforts to safeguard fisheries resources have reached Rorya District, with authorities emphasizing the importance of protection in boosting fish production, stimulating local economies, and contributing to national revenue.
Acting Director of the Fisheries Resource Protection and Management Unit at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Mr. Kimansa Bugomba, said during a training session on August 26, 2025, at the Isegere landing site that protecting fisheries resources is a shared responsibility between the government and industry stakeholders.
“For the 2025/2026 fiscal year, increasing fish production using modern technology and resource management is a top priority. Both the government and fishing stakeholders have a duty to protect these resources to ensure economic benefits for all,” Mr. Bugomba said.
Earlier, at a meeting in his office, Acting Executive Director of Rorya District Council, Dr. Khalfanis Ilekizemba, highlighted that the fisheries sector contributes TZS 1.8 billion annually to the council’s revenue.
He pledged the council’s support for the ministry’s initiatives to safeguard fisheries resources.
“We value the ministry’s continued efforts to educate our communities about fish consumption. We will collaborate fully to protect fisheries resources and encourage the population to embrace fish in their diets,” Dr. Ilekizemba said.
At the landing site, Fisheries Resource Management Officer for Mara Region, Mr. Yohana Mirumbe, reminded fishermen, boat owners, and other stakeholders that compliance with licensing regulations and proper use of fishing gear is key to curbing illegal fishing.
“Some fishermen use legally approved nets in prohibited areas, for instance using sardine nets to catch Nile perch, which is illegal,” he said.
Senior Fisheries Officer overseeing quality control and marketing, Mr. Mkinze Rajabu, emphasized the importance of maintaining quality standards to ensure competitiveness in local and regional markets.
He guided stakeholders on ways to improve fish quality and add value to fisheries products.
Fishermen and processors at the Isegere site praised the ministry for providing practical education and listening to their challenges.
They called on the government to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts to eliminate illegal fishing on Lake Victoria, ensuring sustainable use of the lake’s resources.
