Dynamite fishing destroying fisheries and coral reefs along the Tanzanian coast
What you need to know:
Local authorities and leaders of Beach Management Units (BMU) at Kigamboni constituency voiced their concerns on the issue during a meeting at Kimbiji ward, Kigamboni, where they convened to discuss illegal fishing and the way forward to curbing the destruction of marine life.
Dar es Salaam. Poor community empowerment and lack of government follow-through have been cited as the contributing factors to the continued spread of dynamite fishing along the Tanzanian coast, The Citizen has learned.
Local authorities and leaders of Beach Management Units (BMUs) in the Kigamboni constituency voiced these and more concerns on the issue of dynamite fishing during a meeting held in Kimbiji ward, Kigamboni. The stakeholders convened to discuss illegal fishing and a way forward to curb the destructive fishing method.
The meeting was facilitated by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), which implements a Fisheries Co-Management Programme throughout four wards in the Temeke region as well as in Rufiji, Mafia, Kilwa and Mtwara rural district; together with local NGO Seasense and CSO Youth Vision of Kigamboni that work with communities towards a shared conservation goal.
WWF Marine Project Officer, Mr Edgar Kipoki, stated that of the three districts of Dar es Salaam, dynamite fishing is most widespread in the Temeke district, with grave effects to the fisheries and marine resources.
He added that since the co-management programme’s introduction in Temeke district in 2013, awareness among the residents and fishermen about the effects of dynamite fishing has increased; and although resistant at first, the residents and fishermen currently cooperate in fighting the problem.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Joseph Nyalandu, Kimbiji Ward Executive Officer (WEO) at the Temeke Municipal Council said blast fishing is a common occurrence in his hometown.
“Where I stay, from morning up to evening, I hear up to 50 explosions, as though there is no government. I think the government lacks seriousness in addressing this matter,” he said.
He added that dynamite fishing continues because even when suspects are apprehended, they face no legal punishment.
