Some Fishermen living nearby rivers like Nyabarongo, Akanyaru, and Akagera in East Africa are accustomed to apply illegal sport fishing as one way of income. And some of them do not recognize that when such kind of fishing is done in disorder can cause water pollution.
Across Nyabarongo river, on the road from Gahanga Sector to Bugesera, in Nyarurenzi Swamp, it is easy to find young men holding hooks catching fishes and selling them in local small markets. On one way, these people are earning life. On another side, fishing is risky as these practitioners are using wrong and dirty materials that can pollute the river.
Mukiza David living near by Nyabarongo river said that fishing is one of his source of income, but criticized some of his mates who use dirty materials like nets and hooks that pollute water, and which sometimes damage young fish from the river.
“In rainy season, most of people come here to do fishing, some of them are not professionals so that they come with dirty nets, and sharp hooks that bleeds fish.” Said David, and he adds on that people know that doing such kind of fishing is illegal.
People living nearby rivers particularly in countries where Nile river basin is located are called to avoid illegal fishing as a way to protect environment and make clear the proper rules of fishing activities. In Rwanda, The Ministerial Order No 001/11.30 of 11/12/2020 regulating aquaculture and fisheries, in chapters 12, 13 and 14 states categories of fishing to be done, how sport fishing should be done and requirements for any individual or group interested in doing sport fishing.
MANIRAGABA Emmanuel
