Illegal fishing gear valued at Ksh 6 million was destroyed by the State Department of Fisheries after being confiscated from multiple beaches in Homa Bay County. This action is part of an ongoing operation targeting outlawed fishing equipment in Lake Victoria.
The fishing nets were burned in Homa Bay Town on Thursday evening following a court order from the Homa Bay Court directing their destruction. George Omondi Ajuoga, the fisheries officer in charge of the South Nyanza region, led the operation, which involved officers confiscating the nets during a joint exercise across several beaches in Suba North Constituency.
Ajuoga highlighted that the use of unauthorized nets has contributed to unsustainable fishing practices, causing a decline in fish species within Lake Victoria. He also issued a stern warning to the leadership of the Beach Management Units (BMUs), accusing them of facilitating illegal fishing activities in the lake.
Homa Bay County Director of Fisheries, George Okoth, emphasized that the operation is aimed at restoring order and promoting sustainable fishing practices. He urged fishermen to comply with the regulations and refrain from using illegal fishing gear in the lake.
