Concern as fish processors lack raw materials

MWANZA: FISH processors in Mwanza Region have expressed concerns over a shortage of raw materials, attributing the issue in part to the use of a controversial fishing net known as “Japan.”

The concerns were raised during a meeting on Tuesday with the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Mr Abdallah Ulega, aimed at addressing challenges faced by fishing stakeholders and finding solutions.

Mr Onesmo Sulle, the Executive Secretary of the Tanzania Industrial Fishing and Processing Association (TIFPA), explained that the “Japan” net, commonly used by sardine fishers, is notorious for illegally trapping immature Nile Perch, which are vital raw materials for fish processing industries.

Unlike regular sardine nets, the “Japan” net can reach deep into areas where Nile Perch reside, indiscriminately capturing all available fish.

“Even worse, when this net is pulled out, its mesh tightens, ensuring that nothing is left behind in the water. It is also extremely durable, unable to decay even after a prolonged exposure to water,” Sulle added.

He also pointed out that sardine fishers frequently violate fishing laws that require them to operate at least 2,000 meters from the shore.

This practice damages fish breeding sites, which are typically located along the lake’s edges, further exacerbating the problem.

Sulle emphasised that informal fish processors, who often handle illegally caught fish without regard for their maturity, are contributing to the disruption of raw material supplies to the legitimate fish processing industry.

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As a result, fish processing capacities have dropped by more than 20 per cent, leading to job losses and a decline in daily processing activities.

“Illegal fishing not only harms our markets abroad but also reduces the flow of foreign currency into the country,” Sulle stressed.

Kilambo Warioba, a fisherman from Ghana Island, acknowledged the widespread use of the “Japan” net, urging the government to investigate its source, noting that most net manufacturers refrain from producing such types.

In response, Minister Ulega assured the stakeholders that an illegal fishing network had already been identified and tracking efforts were underway.

He also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal fishing by establishing clear boundaries around fish breeding reserves in Lake Victoria.

“We are working closely with stakeholders to finalise the process. Larger buoys will be installed around all fish breeding sites, making them easily identifiable to anyone entering the lake,” the Minister explained.