Fatshimetrie, June 26, 2024 – An environmental awareness and protection action took place recently in Kasenyi, on the outskirts of Bunia, in the province of Ituri, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The operation consisted of the incineration of prohibited fishing equipment, seized as part of the surveillance of fishing activities on Lake Albert.
Local authorities, aware of the ecological issues linked to overfishing and the use of non-regulatory gear, destroyed 177 piles of monofilament, 17 panels of mosquito nets, three healthy nets and no less than 51,000 small hooks . This equipment, which causes significant damage to the Lake Albert ecosystem, has been identified as fishing instruments harmful to aquatic biodiversity.
According to the coordinator of the Lake Albert Fisheries Monitoring Unit, Avutiya Adrima, the diversity of incinerated equipment demonstrates the variety of illegal fishing techniques used in the region. Monofilament is particularly used for capturing Brycinus, while mosquito nets and small hooks target small fish, thus impacting their reproduction and population.
This initiative aims to deter destructive fishing practices and encourage fishermen to comply with current regulations for the sustainable exploitation of fishery resources. Members of the monitoring unit work actively to educate fishermen and guide them towards methods that respect the ecological balance of Lake Albert.
However, challenges remain, including difficult access to certain areas controlled by armed groups and the lack of logistical resources to carry out surveillance actions. It is essential that government authorities financially and materially support these efforts to preserve aquatic resources to ensure the sustainability of fishing in the region.
During this day dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of preserving aquatic ecosystems, local stakeholders expressed their determination to protect Lake Albert and its aquatic inhabitants. This action demonstrates community commitment to the conservation of biodiversity and the promotion of responsible exploitation of fishery resources.
In conclusion, sustainable management of fishing activities is a major issue for the preservation of lake ecosystems in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The incineration of prohibited fishing equipment on the shores of Lake Albert marks a crucial step towards safeguarding this precious natural resource.