Night fishing in Lake Naivasha has been banned with immediate effect following increased cases of poaching and the deceasing number of the Tilapia species.
Speaking to our reporter on Sunday, sub-county fisheries Officer Mathew Ngila said the dwindling number of the popular species and the illegal fishermen, mostly operating at night, necessitated the measure.
All the licensed fishermen, he explained, with now be allowed inside the water between 5.00am and 7pm.
“We have also noted with concern that some of the fishermen are using undersised nets to harvest immature fish, mostly the Tilapia fingerings,” said Ngila.
He added that the receding water levels after a prolonged dry spell and erratic rains prompted the night ban.
He said those who will be found flouting the rules with be arrested and arraigned in court, and risks having their boats confiscated.
Ngila said although the number of the other species remained consistent, the Tilapia population was decreasing at an alarming rate.
The ones populous species in the 80’s, Tilapia number continue to decrease despite efforts by the fisheries department to restock.
“We are doing all within our powers to protect the species which is the most popular among fish consumers,” said the sub county fisheries boss.
Licensed fisherman had expressed concern over the decreased catch with their number have been increased from 50 to 100.
The fishing fraternity had been doing brisk business after the three-month periodic closure was temporarily lifted following the increase in number of the different species.
However, Ngila said the move to lift the ban will be evaluated following the decrease of the Tilapia species.
“We shall definitely be reviewing the measure to lift the three-month periodic closure, although the other species remains unaffected,” added Ngila.
Over the years, fish production in Lake Naivasha has varied since 2010, with 200 metric tonnes realised that year, 2011-recorded 290 MT, 143 MT in 2012 and 2056 MT in 2013.
Following the provisional lifting of the ban, total fish production is expected to exceed 600 metric tonnes this year.