Possible fishing ban in Lake Naivasha amidst dwindling fish population

NAKURU,Kenya, July 26 – The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) has been tasked by the Nakuru county government to advise it on a possible plan on whether or not to institute an annual fishing ban on Lake Naivasha.

The fish population on the lake has reportedly been dwindling amidst concern that the local economy could now be in jeopardy.

KMFRI is expected to conduct a study to establish the cause of the sharp decline in fish population as well as provide mitigating solutions.

According to statistics, in the last two months, fish catch has dropped by over 60 percent.

“We are keen to continue restocking the lake to increase fish production and we have engaged the research institute to advise us on the ban and the effects,” said 

According to the county executive in the ministry of fisheries Dr Immaculate Maina, overfishing among other poor fishing practices is to blame for the dwindling fish stock.

Illegal fishing has also been cited as one of the major challenges facing the sector. A task force has since been formed to address the challenges plaguing the sector.

“The taskforce has given its recommendations including reviewing licensing and the number of boats in the lake and we are keen to enforce them,” she said.

The chairman of the Lake Naivasha Boat Owners Association David Kilo called on the county government to institute tough measures to regulate those engaging in overfishing and also impose a ban on the use of undersize nets.

“Fish catch has dropped by over 60 percent in the last two months and things could get worse in the coming days if the county doesn’t implement the recommendations by the taskforce,” said Kilo.

Meanwhile Naivasha sub-county commissioner Mutua Kisilu revealed that despite a crackdown being launched to crackdown illegal fishermen, little has been achieved so far, though more than 10 people have been arrested and 13 fishing vessels seized in the last one month.

“We have formed a multi-agency security team to patrol the breeding zones in Lake Naivasha as one way of increasing fish production,” he said.