Illegal fishing gears worth Sh. 4 million impounded during the ongoing crackdown in Lake Victoria have been burnt.
The illegal gears confiscated over the last one week in various beaches along the Lake were destroyed by the Fisheries Department in Rachuonyo North Sub-County in the presence of the area fisheries officials, Judiciary officials and the area Beach Management Unit (BMU) leaders.
Speaking during the exercise, the area sub county officer in charge of Fisheries, George Omondi said that the illegal fishing gears were impounded in Kamolo, Lwasi, Alum, Rambira, and Obaria Beaches respectively.
Omondi added that they are working closely with the area BMU officials to conduct an operation with an aim of eliminating illegal gears in the area saying such gears have reduced the number of fish in Lake Victoria.
The officer further stressed his department would continue with the crackdown until the area is rid of such gears.
His sentiments were echoed by Rachuonyo North sub county BMU Chairman, Ibrahim Kasere who called upon other stakeholders to join hands in the war against illegal fishing gears.
The Oyugis Law Court, Principal Magistrate, John Nandia who led judiciary officials in destroying the gears said that the move was to send a powerful message to fishermen still using illegal gears in the region that their days are numbered.
By Davis Langat/ Anne Onyango
