The Victory Farms Organisation, in conjunction with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) and other partners, have begun reintroducing some fish species facing extinction in Lake Victoria.
In an exercise that kicked off Tuesday on the 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.
Conservation International Fresh Water Director Leonard Akwany said they have begun by reintroducing a tilapia species called Oreochromis esculentus at Roo Beach in Suba South constituency.
The programme was initiated after KMFRI undertook research that revealed that fish species were dwindling in Lake Victoria. The fish shortage has been orchestrated by illegal fishing, which includes the use of the wrong gear and the encroachment of breeding areas.
Okwany said they started the programme after many fishermen complained of a low catch of Oreochromis esculentus in the lake.
“We have identified conservation zones where breeding of the fish will take place. The Kenya Fisheries Service is assisting in protecting the breeding zones for the proliferation of the fish,” Akwany said.
Akwany said they will undertake the exercise at Gingo, Ukula, and Wadianga beaches.
The beaches are also conservation areas for fish breeding, and we commended Victory Farms, the 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 indicated 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 Victorianus 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 are 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 shortages and increased conflicts between Kenyan fishermen against the Ugandan and Tanzanian authorities.
Kenyan fishermen have frequently raised complaints about being harassed by security officers from the two neighbouring countries. They get arrested for 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 sensitising the community to ensure the breeding zones are protected,” she said.
By Davis Langat
