Efforts to restock fish in Lake Victoria kicks off

Homa BAY,

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

KNA by Davis Langat

The Victory Farms Oganisation in conjunction with Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) and other partners have begun re-introducing some fish species facing extinction in Lake Victoria.

In an exercise which kicked off Tuesday in Sindo beaches of Homa Bay County, the organisations started the restocking efforts by introducing 4000 fingerlings of tilapia into the lake.

Conservation International which is also involved in the programme undertook the identification of areas where restocking of such fish species will be undertaken.

The Conservation International Fresh Water Director Leonard Akwany said they have begun by re-introducing tilapia species called Oreochromis esculentus at Roo beach in Suba South constituency.

The programme was initiated after KMFRI undertook research that

revealed that the fish species was dwindling in Lake Victoria. 

The fish shortage has been orchestrated by illegal fishing which includes the use of the wrong gear and encroachment of breeding areas.

Okwany said they started the programme after many fishermen complained of low catch of oreochromis esculentus in the lake.

“We have identified conservation zones where breeding of the fish will take place. Kenya Fisheries Service is assisting in protecting the breeding zones for proliferation of the fish,” Akwany said.

 Akwany said they will undertake the exercise in Gingo, Ukula and Wadianga beaches.

The beaches are also the conservation areas for fish breeding and commended Victory Farms, Kenya Fisheries Service and the Homa Bay government for coming together to boost conservation efforts.

He urged the fishing community to support the initiative noting that the project is meant to improve fish production in the lake. “The community support is paramount in the project because they are the main beneficiaries. We want sustainable fish production in the lake,” he added.

KMFRI Assistant Director Paul Orina said the research they did indicate that the Oreochromis esculentus species of tilapia started dwindling in the lake in the mid-80s.

The lake is also experiencing a shortage of Labeo Victorian species. It is known in dholuo as Ningu. He said KMFRI is working closely with Victory Farms and the community to ensure hatcheries of the species is undertaken and their conservation is successful. 

“KMFRI will continue to do research and bring back the other species into Lake Victoria. We know that these fish were delicacies for many people around this area,” Orina said.

Homa Bay Chief Officer for Fisheries Jack Obonyo and Suba Deputy County Commissioner Sebastian Okiring urged BMU officials to remain vigilant to eradicate bad fishing activities in the lake.

“The county government is drafting a bill that will introduce laws meant to protect fish breeding zones,” Obonyo said.

Okiring said bad fishing methods have caused fish shortage and increased conflicts between Kenyan fishermen against the Ugandan and Tanzanian authorities.

Kenyan fishermen have frequently raised complaints of being harassed by security officers from the two neighbouring countries. They get arrested over alleged trespass and subjected to heavy fines.

“We’re strengthening the coast guard services to ensure that our fishermen continue to operate in a safe environment. Talks are ongoing with our people not to go beyond boundaries during fishing,” Okiring said.

Associate Director for Development at Victory Farms Miriam Mohamed

said they were working on breeding the disappearing fish species for restocking in the lake.

“Victory Farms assists in hatcheries and breeding of the fingerlings for their multiplication. We’re also sensitizing the community to ensure the breeding zones are protected,” she said.

Courtesy; KNA