WESTERN PROVINCE
 
RUSIZI — Security authorities in Nkanka Sector in Rusizi District over the weekend seized and later on razed several sacks of illegal fishing gear at Busekanka fishing landing site.

The materials worth over Rwf7m were impounded from fishermen in Lake Kivu during a join security operation mounted by police and officers from RDF’s Marine wing.

Sources indicated that such illegal fishing gear  is said  to be smuggled into the country from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Rusizi District Police Commander, Supt. Danny Ndayambaje who oversaw the burning exercise  called upon fishermen and area residents to help police to fight against the use of illegal fishing gear by reporting such activities to authorities. He also warned fishermen against catching immature fish.

"Using these illegal fishing nets has become common among fishermen within  Lake Kivu, but its high time you desisted from such illegal activities. We  encourage your colleagues to do the same,” said the police chief.     

Immaculate Nabacu, an official in charge of environment at the district, used the occasion to urge fishermen and the area residents to preserve Lake Kivu and its surroundings.

Despite the latest seizure of illegal gear Daniel Ndago one of the fishermen contend that quite a sizable quantity of such gear still remains in the hands of fishermen.
 
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