The survival of fish in the Lomami River in the province of Maniema is under serious threat, plunging the region into an unprecedented environmental crisis.
Recent findings by Julie Mukinzi, a researcher at the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), have revealed a catastrophic situation that requires urgent action.
Following extensive research along the Lomami River, Julie Mukinzi, a researcher at the ICCN in Maniema, has raised the alarm about the imminent extinction of fish. This is attributed to the widespread use of chemicals and toxic plants by local populations for fishing. The numbers are alarming: 6769 fish specimens belonging to 22 families, 72 genera, and 168 species have been documented in the waters of the Lomami River. The use of these toxic products threatens to destroy the aquatic biodiversity and jeopardize the survival of all fish species in the region.
This critical situation has major implications in the province. Apart from impacting food security, as fish from the Lomami River are a vital source of protein for local communities, the disappearance of these species would cause significant ecological imbalance. The river harbors a diverse range of aquatic species, some of which are endemic, and their disappearance would weaken the entire aquatic ecosystem of the province.
In response to this critical situation, Julie Mukinzi has urgently called on the authorities to take action. She advocates for the control and regulation of fishing practices, particularly during the flood season, while emphasizing the importance of raising awareness among local communities about the protection of the hydrobiology and ecology of the Lomami River for their own survival.
It is imperative that the authorities take concrete measures to protect the fish in the Lomami River. Raising awareness among local communities, controlling fishing practices, and promoting sustainable fishing techniques are essential actions to preserve this vital natural resource for the province. Collaboration between the ICCN, local authorities, and riverine communities is crucial to ensure the long-term protection of the Lomami River and its fish.
The Editorial Team
