By Antony Gitonga
NAIVASHA, KENYA: Fishermen are calling for the lifting of the annual ban on fishing in Lake in Naivasha.
The Government has over the past 12 years enforced the ban to improve on fish stocks. It was introduced in 2001 when stocks dropped to an alarming level due to use of illegal fishing methods and poaching.
Fishermen want the ban reviewed, saying for the past two months, when the current ban has been in force, stocks have improved tremendously. The ban is normally enforced between the months of June and August.
Mr David Kilo from the Naivasha Boat Owners Association suggested that the ban be done away with for good.
Kilo noted that unlike in 2001, the lake levels had risen sharply due to conservation efforts in the catchment areas.
“The ban was in good faith but we are now calling on the new government to review that decision as the lake has more than enough fish,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Mr Kamau Mbogo from Imarisha Naivasha, who admitted that the ban was overtaken by events.
The officer said poachers were currently harvesting more fish than the legalised fishermen.
