KWS marks World Wildlife day with calls to fishermen to practise sustainable fisheries

The Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) has asked stakeholders to join hands to protect the marine species that are under threat in the Indian Ocean waters.

This is as a result of constant illegal fishing activities that threaten the lives of marine species such as fish, sharks, turtle among others.

Speaking during the annual World Wildlife Day held in Malindi, KWS Acting Director Prof Paul Musyoki said their records show that the marine species face many challenges and are under threat of extinction.

He said it is important to tell the whole world the importance of marine conservation.

“Many people living along the coast line depend on the oceans for survival through harvesting the species living in the oceans. There is every need therefore to protect them from being wiped out,’’ he said.

He said at times people forget that the marine species could become extinct by using illegal ways of fishing.

“We understand many people depend on the marine lives for survival including fishermen, boat operators, and other stakeholders. Let us cooperate to ensure that the marine species are protected in a proper way so that even future generation enjoy them,'' he said.

This year for the annual event this year was 'Life under water'.

The occasion coincided with the marking of 51 years since Malindi and Watamu Marine national parks and reserves were established.

“We need to rethink and know what the ocean will be like 50 years to come, We are the ones to decide how to do it, whether the activities we do will be having positive impact or destroy the creatures,’’ he said.

The KWS boss said they were not against fishing but wanted the fishermen who largely depend on the ocean for survival to operate within the law.

He told fishermen to work with KWS officers so that they are sensitized on the best ways of operations in the ocean.

Also present was KWS Coast Conservation Area Assistant Director, Dr Arthur Tuda.

Kilifi County Commissioner, Mr Magu Mutindika called on fishermen to ensure they use the right equipment for fishing in the ocean waters.

He said some fishermen were using fishing gears that are not recommended by the government.

“Fishermen who are not sure of the kind of equipment that are legal should consult the fisheries department of fisheries or KWS,’’ he said.

People in Watamu living within the gazetted area of KWS  marine protected area, those who have not moved should move away because very soon, three quarters of those people have already left the park and very soon those still there will be evicted by force.