In a determined effort to crack down on illegal activities on Lake Edward, a joint operation led by local authorities and security forces has resulted in the incineration of six canoes and multiple mesh nets seized from the hands of illicit fishermen in the locality of Kyavinyonge, located in the Beni territory, North Kivu province.
The incineration of these equipment was carried out in front of the local population and in the presence of Mr. Paluku Mukosa Albert, coordinator of the principal advisor to the provincial governor in charge of agriculture and environment. This symbolic action aims to deter anyone tempted to engage in illegal fishing activities on Lake Edward.
As part of strengthening the operational capabilities of the mixed lake patrol, three canoes and three 5-horsepower outboard motors have been allocated to the naval forces based in Kyavinyonge by the Federation and the Individual Fishermen’s Committee. This allocation, officially handed over by the coordinator to the office of the principal advisor to the governor of North Kivu on behalf of the provincial authority, should enable better mobility for the Congolese navy, as well as the cleaning of Lake Edward and the protection of spawning areas, thus promoting sustainable fish production.
According to the envoy of the head of the provincial executive of North Kivu, these newly acquired equipment will contribute to ensuring the security of Lake Edward and promoting rational exploitation of its fishery resources. In parallel, the Federation and the Individual Fishermen’s Committee on Lake Edward are stepping up efforts to raise awareness among the local community about compliance with fishing legislation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Although these measures generally receive support from the local community, defiant individuals persist in causing trouble in this collective endeavor to preserve natural resources.
by the editorial staff