Naivasha sub-county fisheries officer Mathew Ngila has called for vetting of boat operators and fishermen in Lake Naivasha.
Addressing fisheries stakeholders at Naivasha town on Tuesday, Ngila indicated that the number of unlicensed boat operators and fishermen has gone up.
He said there is need to ensure any boat operator accessing the lake has a permit to enhance security and other concerns that may arise.
The officer further said that the presence of illegal fishermen has led to the rise in fish poaching activities.
“We want to ask the Kenya Maritime Authority to move in and ensure all boat operators and fishermen are licensed,” he said.
The official also asked the authority to put in place appropriate measures that will spearhead conservation of the lake.
He observed that Lake Naivasha could be at the verge of extinction if proper conservation measures are not taken.
Ngila also called for stiffer penalties against fish poachers saying, that the vice is a real threat to fish production.
He indicated that fishing is the source of livelihood for locals in the sub-county and that they risk experiencing low economic standards if the lake is not conserved.