The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries has rolled out an education campaign for fishers and fish processors around Lake Victoria to promote sustainable fishing, proper handling of fish products, and the nutritional benefits of fish consumption.
The move is part of government efforts to curb illegal fishing and safeguard the lake’s resources.
The initiative, led by experts from the Quality Control and Marketing of Fishery Products (QC) and Fisheries Resource Protection and Management (FRP) teams, began on August 23, 2025, targeting landing sites in Nyamagana and Ilemela districts of Mwanza Region.
The program followed a working session where officials and stakeholders discussed strategies to strengthen resource protection and reduce illegal fishing.
Senior Fisheries Officer Hamprey Tilla urged fishers to respect fishing laws and support government efforts.
“Our population is growing, but the lake is not. Fishers, government, and all stakeholders must work together to protect these resources,” he said at Kayenze Kubwa landing site in Ilemela.
Chief Fisheries Officer Gedrude Migodela highlighted the importance of proper storage and handling to ensure fish products meet market and laboratory standards.
“Fish that are poorly preserved may fail quality checks, making them unsellable,” she warned.
At Shadi landing site in Nyamagana, FRP Officer Hamad Stima stressed that safeguarding fish resources is critical not only for the economy but also for public health.
The team also reminded fishers to incorporate fish into their diets as a vital source of protein. Senior Fisheries Officer Grace Kakama noted that many fishing families do not consume enough fish at home.
Some fishers suggested that the government conduct a national census of fishers to allocate fishing zones and manage the number of boats, contributing to better resource management.
The education campaign continues today, August 24, 2025, at landing sites in Ukerewe District and will later move to Mara and Simiyu regions.