Rwanda National Police

Police in Rusizi District confiscated illegal fishing nets and intercepted ten individuals who were caught violating laws of fishing that are believed to hinder the growth and quality of fish in Lake Kivu.

The ten suspects are expected to be charged penalties for endangering the environment as per a 2012 government program that protects fisheries and ensures growth of fish in water bodies.

The Polices Spokesperson for Western Province, Superintendent of Police, Emmanuel Hitayezu, warned that such illegal fishing methods are deadly since they contribute to depletion of fish from the waters, but also dangerous to the fishermen too, since they conduct such activities at night.

“Using illegal nets to fish allows young fish to be trapped; and this is one of the reasons why we carry out operations around Lake Kivu to stop this dangerous activity,” he said.

He explained that many of the fishing nets that were confiscated harm the younger fish because they are made from strong threads and have little holes, and are purchased from illegally.

He also called upon residents to sensitize their counterparts against this scourge of illegal fishing, which is done by those who seek for fast profits without considering the future of Rwanda’s fisheries.