In separate operations conducted on Sunday, February 6, in Rubavu and Rutsiro districts, the marine unit seized assorted illegal fishing gears in homes of poachers.
At least eight illicit fishing nets commonly known as kaningini, five mosquito nets which were also used as nets, and two wooden boats were impounded from homes and on the shores of Lake Kivu.
Assistant Commissioner of Police(ACP) Elias Mwesigye, the commanding officer for the Police Marine Unit, said that they worked with the residents to identify the poachers and their homes where illicit and substandard fishing gears and boats, are hidden.
“Poachers fled during the operations. We are working with other relevant institutions and the people against illegal and dangerous fishing practices that affect fish growth and lead to fish depletion, especially when using such fishing gears that catch and kill even the juvenile fish,” ACP Mwesigye said.
“These are operations aimed at executing of Marine Police responsibilities, which include; maintaining safety and security of water bodies and increasing public awareness,” the Commanding Officer added.
“The illicit fishing gears are smuggled into Rwanda from DRC and used by poachers especially at night. Such people also engage in other criminal activities such as smuggling and drug trafficking, which these operations are also meant to address.”
The ministerial order Nº 001/11.30 of 11/12/2020 regulating aquaculture and fisheries in Rwanda, in its articles 18, 19, 20 and 21; it elaborates the legal fishing gears and other equipment, aquaculture zones, areas and hours of fishing.
Article 22 prohibits acts in fishing such as use of poisonous substances aimed at stunning,weakening or killing aquatic organisms; applying explosives; using electromagnetic procedures or electrocution; beating water with an aim of capturing aquatic organisms; fishing in the reproduction area; fishing in aquaculture concession area, except for the research fishing licence holder.
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