By Juma Nsubuga
Government has allowed the Silver fish (Mukene) fishers to resume operations effective today after two year closure of the business.
This has been revealed by State Minister of Agriculture Animal industry in charge of Fisheries, Robert Migadde Ndugwa during a Media briefing at the Uganda media centre in Kampala.
The Minister emphasized that the fishers of Silver fish (Mukene) must follow the fisheries regulations guidelines for safe operations.
“Fishermen will only be allowed to resume operations after securing licenses and meeting a raft of conditions which aimed at regulating the silver fish industry” the minister said
Migadde who represents Buvuma Islands County in parliament said that all the measures intend to address concerns over destructive fishing methods, environmental degradation and the social economic impact of Mukene fishing.
“The requirements would guide the registration and licensing of fishing vessels for the 2016/27 calendar” he added
According to the new guidelines, fishing will be permitted for only 14 days from the beginning of the dark phases of the moon every month.
Fishermen will also be required to operate at least 2 kilometers away from the shoreline and fish breeding areas.
According to the Minister, applicants will be required to present their original identification mentioned nationa IDs,a proof of boat ownership among others.
The issuence of license is scheduled to run from 1 January to March 31 that calendar year while the enforcement of the new requirements will take place from April to December calendar year.
He said hurry-up fishing methods has been totally burned and however caught using it on any landing site, it will be closed.
“Only two people have been okayed in each boat, solar lights have been burned, only pressure lamps (Sitima) have been allowed on the lake” the minister confirmed adding that only Kyota kyota nets will be allowed on the lake and all vessels must be licensed.
MAAIF through fisheries department has warned the fishing communities against resuming operations without the request requirements.
