The Government has banned the use of illegal fishing nets blamed for accelerating destructive and unregulated dagaa fishing, as part of renewed efforts to protect aquatic resources and promote sustainable livelihoods.
The ban was announced by the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Ambassador Dr Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, during a meeting with fisheries stakeholders held in Mwanza on December 24, 2025.
Dr Kakurwa said the continued use of unapproved dagaa nets posed a serious threat to fish breeding areas and the future of the fishing industry, stressing that the government would not compromise on protecting national resources.
“There is no joking with illegal dagaa nets. We must identify and use nets that allow sustainable fishing so that people can continue working, our jobs are protected and our country remains safe,” he said.
On the use of solar-powered fishing lights, the minister said the government had ordered a review of existing studies within two weeks to allow informed decisions to be made.
He noted that while research on the matter already exists, it needs to be carefully analysed before issuing further directives.
Following the ban, Dr Kakurwa said the government would strengthen enforcement by deploying its agencies at all border entry points to prevent the illegal nets from being imported into the country.
Earlier, fishermen at the meeting told the minister that the banned dagaa nets were being used extensively, including in fish breeding zones, and were contributing to the large-scale harvesting of juvenile Nile perch.
They also raised concerns over solar-powered fishing lights, saying their strong illumination attracts fish species that are not intended to be caught, further disrupting aquatic ecosystems.
Before the stakeholders’ meeting, Dr Kakurwa participated in a fish restocking exercise at Shadi area in Nyamagana District, Mwanza Region.
He assured residents that the government would introduce fish cages in the area to support aquaculture while protecting indigenous fish species.
The measures, the minister said, reflect the government’s commitment to curbing illegal fishing and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Tanzania’s fisheries sector, which supports millions of livelihoods nationwide.