Last week this paper reported that fish stocks in Lake Kivu had significantly dwindled in the recent past amid rising demand.Fishermen in the area attribute the reduction to various factors, mainly illegal fishing methods and overfishing.This has had an impact on fish prices in the country, with the commodity now out of reach of many.A kilogramme of fish, on average, costs Rwf4, 000 on the local market, twice that of beef.Of particular concern is the use of illegal fishing gear, leading to the capture of immature fish, thus depleting fish stocks.It is critical that fisher folks are encouraged to work in cooperatives and collectively promote appropriate fishing practices to help sustain their source of livelihood which is also a potential foreign exchange earner.With or without dwindling fish in our water bodies, there should be clear strategies and actions designed to increase fish stocks in the country.Rwanda, like many other countries in the Great Lakes region, has huge potential in aquaculture and we just need to get our act together and tap into this resource.This country is blessed with several water bodies, including 24 lakes, which we can maximise and enhance fish farming and healthy feeding.If enhanced, aquaculture could boost the country’s food security and also become a major source of foreign exchange earnings.But this can only be achieved through concerted efforts, with keen participation by central government authorities, grassroots structures and fishers themselves.
