WESTERN PROVINCE
 
RUSIZI— The Police, Army and district authorities in Rusizi district have burnt illegal fishing nets worth Frw3.6 million.

The nets locally known as Kaningini were confiscated from Kamatita, Muhari and Budiki Cells, all in Kamembe Sector.

The burning exercise took place on the shores of Lake Kivu in the morning hours in Kamatita cell.

According to officials who talked to The New Times, the burning was aimed at minimizing the fishing of immature fish.

"These illegal fishing nets that we have burnt today are over 70 valued at Frw3.6.

We impounded them from various cells in a move aimed at stopping those who deal in catching young fish in Lake Kivu,” a police official said.

Addressing residents, Pierre Birangamoya, the district official in charge of Economic Development and labor warned fishermen and women against using illegal fishing gear like Kaningini and super nets, saying they destroy young fish which would increase production.

He also told residents that illegal fish nets are harmful to some fish species in the lake and the people who consume them. 

"I encourage you as concerned residents to work with us in fighting against such illegal activities in our district,” Birangamoya said.

He also cautioned fishermen against carrying out their fishing activities in fishponds because it also destroys young fish and to always report those who involve in illegal fishing activities to the concerned authorities in time.

The illegal fishing nets are allegedly brought in Rusizi district from the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to fishermen.

But security authorities said that they employ all possible means to curb illegal activities.

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