Illegal fishing of juvenile fish in Lake Kivu raises food security concerns

Environmental civil society groups in Kalehe, located in South Kivu, are raising alarms over the persistent illegal fishing of juvenile fish in Lake Kivu. This practice, they state, is severely jeopardizing the food security of the region's inhabitants.

Madadju Devote, president of the environmental society, highlighted specific instances in villages near Ishovu, such as Tchibanda, where fishermen are reportedly capturing up to seven basins of young fish. "We are witnessing a scandal. We can cite it in the sub-village of Tchibanda, Michebere, Nusirachofi, where we see uncivilized individuals using prohibited nets for the capture of fry, with the consequence of food insecurity," Devote stated.

He urged these fishermen to consider the detrimental effects of this "dangerous" activity on aquatic life. With a growing population, Devote expressed concern about a potential shortage of fish resources needed to feed the local community. Environmental experts have consistently warned communities living along the shores of Lake Kivu about the repercussions of this illicit fishing.

The Sambaza, small fish highly valued by residents of Goma and Bukavu, are struggling to reproduce in large numbers on the Congolese side of the lake. This situation is attributed to the destruction of spawning grounds caused by uncontrolled fishing activities. The unchecked capture of juvenile fish prevents them from reaching maturity and reproducing, creating a cycle of depletion that threatens both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of the local population.

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We are witnessing a scandal. We can cite it in the sub-village of Tchibanda, Michebere, Nusirachofi, where we see uncivilized individuals using prohibited nets for the capture of fry, with the consequence of food insecurity.