Dwindling Fish Stocks, a matter of great concern

Experts now say the fish stocks in Lake Victoria are dwindling and this could have very negative implications on the fight against poverty and hunger in the region to achieve the first UN Millenium Development Goal.

Lake Victoria region hosts the second largest freshwater lake in the world with a population of almost 40 million. Economic development has been based mostly on agriculture, agriculture-based industries, fisheries and some mining operations.

Poverty is widespread in the region with many household dependent on fishing activities to earn a living. Though women do not participate actively in fishing activities, they however form the biggest percentage of fish vendors and small scale entrepreneurs across the region.

The United Nations earlier this year warned that the rise in food and oil prices would undercut the progress made by many African countries in eradication of poverty and hungers and this region is no exception. Already there is a food crisis marked by the increase of food prices to levels that are unaffordable to many.

Fish would have been a saviour to these communities, but , bad fishing practices, coupled by environmental degradation of the lake which have resulted to noxious weeds that kill the fish have seem to the reduction of fish stocks.

It is time to act! Fish is not only a major foreign exchange earner for Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania but also a source of food and income for many households in the region. Therefore we must save the situation. Proper fishing methods must be observed and Beach Management Units along the shores of the lake empowered to stop the illegal fishing practices.

The leadership of the Lake Victoria Region must now address issues of preserving Lake Victoria with the seriousness it requires. What happens after establishing a ministerial council to look into matters of Lake Victoria? We are tired of commissions and committees.

We need policies, legislations, finances and goodwill to help conserve the lake. There is an adage in my community that says fish makes brains and brains make money . With the reduction in fish stock we sure would remain poor in the Lake Victoria region. Lets protect our livelihood!!! Conserve Lake Victoria.