Editor, According to Monday’s New Times, Rwanda recently imported 45,000 small Tilapia to restock our 17 inland lakes. This is a very big step in conservation. If these imported fish are left to grow to maturity it means that Rwanda will be able go without importing fish for domestic consumption. The problem that I see is that, while others are doing their bit in adding on the number of fish in our lakes, some fishermen are still busy catching immature fish! Catching young fish is a practice that still goes on, especially in the remoter areas. Fishermen claim that because they can’t afford buying standard fishnets they end up using the ones that only catch little fish. As we continue environmental conservation, we should remember that fish are sources of income to the country. It’s of no use to introduce fish in the lakes when we can’t protect them. Fishermen should be taught about the dangers of catching young fish and told about strict punishments for anyone who is judged to be guilty of this crime. Lillian MusoniButare
