A trader drying 'omena' at Lake Victoria. [Photo/ Patrick Dugan/ flickr.com]
A campaign has been launched by authorities in Nyanza region to save the dwindling numbers of the small fish locally known as 'omena'.The aim of the campaign is to promote the use of safe tools by fishermen fishing in Lake Victoria.Security and fisheries officers have collaborated with the Lake Victoria Beach Management in the campaign, to help save the 'omena' species which is under the threat of extinction.Speaking on Tuesday, Lake Victoria Beach Management chairman Tom Guda said that the campaign also seeks to curb illegal fishing in the region. “We are hunting for illegal fishermen trapping 'omena' in the shallow parts of the lake by using illegal fishing gear. Fishermen should have permission to fish in the lake,” said Guda.Guda further called on fishermen in the region to exercise caution while going about their activities, to avoid cases of drowning.“Several fishermen have died due to careless fishing. Every fisherman should follow the set rules when fishing to avoid unnecessary deaths,” he added.Is there a newsworthy accident, incident or event happening in Kisumu County that you want Hivisasa to cover? Tell us what is happening by joining this group and have it published. http://bit.ly/2EOgy6Q