The government has taken a number of measures to streamline the fisheries sector in Lake Naivasha and increase sustainable exploitation of marine resources.
The lake continues to face persistent challenges, such as illegal fishing, outlawed gears for fishing, pollution, and degradation.
The government uses a multi-agency approach to strengthening, enforcing and ensuring strict compliance with the enacted fisheries regulations and laws for sustainable use of the lakes resources.
Mutua, Naivasha Deputy Commissioner, said that the team comprised of Kenya Wildlife Services (Kenya Coast Guard Services), Kenya Fisheries Services, Kenya Fisheries Management Units, Kenya Fisheries and an administrative unit was tasked with eradicating illegal fishing.
Kisilu stated that the team will conduct daily surveillance at the lake and enforce patrols to ensure compliance with fishing regulations, proper fishing gear use, and protect fish breeding areas.
He assured that the government would take swift action against illegal fishermen who continue to rob government of much-needed taxes and reviews to boost and grow the economy.
Kisilu stated that Lake Naivasha, a water resource that provides water for tens of thousands of people, is a major food source and a tourist attraction site that must be protected.
The DCC said the team is engaging the judiciary to ensure culprits get stiffer penalties as stipulated by country’s maritime laws so as to help reduce the mounting pressure on the lake.
He said that together with the Nakuru County government the team seeks out to demarcate all lakes boundaries and access routes to secure all porous routes.
Kisilu stated that the team would engage all stakeholders and educate the community about sustainable fishing, alternative livelihoods, and how to reduce water pressure.
He said that the move would help to curb the increase in cases of minors engaging in illegal fishery to support their families, leading to a rise in school dropping outs.
Kisilu said the government through the Kenya Forest service will embark on tree planting exercise along the lake riparian land to restore degraded areas which are suitable areas for fish breeding.
The intervention comes after a protest from the fishing fraternity over the increased cases for grabbing, subdivision and illegal logging that pose a danger to the lake ecosystem.
Accordingly, Kisilu stated that the team will closely collaborate with NEMA officials and Water Resources Authority officials in order to ensure strict compliance with chemical and waste disposals from surrounding flower farms, hotels, and residential homes.
By Erastus Gichohi
Source: kenyanews
