Expert who educates fishermen

Optatus Kalolela is the fisheries officer at the Marine Parks and Reserves unit in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. He has worked in the field for the past seven years. He shares his career experience with Success.

Why did you choose to become a fisheries officer?

Given the challenges of employment in the Tanzania, I decided to do my research on the jobs which are easy to get soon after one has completed his or her studies. Fisheries became number one. I did not hesitate as I also love water. Soon after completing my diploma in fisheries science it was never a problem to get a job as soon as I completed my course. Currently I hold a Bachelor Degree in Maritime Transport, that has enabled me to become a captain.

What are your roles/duties as a fisheries officer?

My duties include educating fishermen on the right way of fishing, types of fishing that will allow them to get more fish to boost their daily income. I also train fishermen on sustainable fishing. This involves the usage of recommended fishing nets by experts in order to avoid catching small fish and eggs. We avoid catching small fish and eggs to make a room for them to grow for future fishing. Advising them to quit dynamite and poison fishing is also my duty.

Environmental preservation around lakes, rivers and oceans and the dangers of throwing garbage is my duty. Explaining to fishermen on the fishing law and making sure all people dealing with fishing activities are licensed as a way of managing government revenues. Participatory method with the communities around water sources to make them feel as part of the government and managing the environment is also part of what this entails.

So far, the participatory method has helped to improve cleanliness at the water sources. People found guilty with dumping garbage in the water sources are taken to court for legal actions. I am also involved in different patrol trips to fight illegal fishing.

Is it a well-paid/highly appreciated job in Tanzania?

Generally fishing industry in Tanzania is not considered as the highly paying job. When you specifically talk about my career there is no way one can expect to be highly paid while it is not in the priority profession list. This makes it hard for people in this industry to make money that will help them meet their needs as required. I only make money that supports basic family needs on a tight budget.

What does it take to be a fisheries officer?

One has to have Ordinary or advanced level qualification. He or she must have a certificate from any of the fishing colleges in the country. Passing of the examinations from the fishing colleges is a must as the certificate will be used to be for Diploma course and later a Bachelor Degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture or Environmental Science at the University of Dar es Salaam or Sokoine University.

What are some of the emerging issues and challenges Tanzania is facing with regards to fishing?

There are so many challenges in this industry but just to mention the major ones, lack of proper working materials, poor working environment, and lack of funds to support other activities that requires money as well as low pay for the fisheries officers.

Does the job affect your social/family life?

Not at all. I get a lot of time to be with my family as well as participating in the social activities.

What is your day like?

I arrive in the office to prepare for daily meetings in the morning and share daily assignments. Field work to meet fishermen for meetings or information sharing then after I get back to the office to share field report with my boss to see how we can address challenges from field.

How many researchers have you been involved in regarding fisheries project?

There are two researches I took part in. The first one aimed at checking on the government’s efforts to preserve water sources and environment cleanness as a way of increasing fish production in the country. The other research was all about catch assessment survey that with the aim of getting statistics on the fish availability in the country compared to the previous years.

Have you come across any interesting experiences that you would like to share?

Over the years I am so much happy that I have managed to build good relationship with the people I work with as well as giving them education on fishing issues.

Seeing people’s lives improving day to day through your work or service that you offer to them is a very unique experience to cherish forever.

What would you advise someone who wants to pursue this career?

In order to be successful in whatever one does respect should always come first. Building good relationship between colleagues and communities we work with has always been very helpful. Say no to corruption of any kind. This will save one from being involved in unnecessary work related scandals.