It is believed that the Government of Tanzania has had a change of heart in the importation of fishing nets, following a vendetta over the same matter. Irregularities and illegalities had cause the Government to shut its doors for the importation of the gears, as they look to manage their natural resources. Such practices have harmed the fishing industry, with the fishers decrying their concerns to the authorities.
Illegal fishing gears have affected water resource, affecting the young fishes. The immature ones are entangled with the mature ones, depleting the water resource and leaving no future for the economic activity. It is a phenomenon that has seen fishing numbers go down over seasons, compelling the importation of fish from outside avenues to meet the demand of the markets.
This has made governments to be reliance on something they could have generated themselves and made money out of, rather than spending money on what they could harness from their disposal. It has brought loss to the fishers and affected the field in general. Authorities have advocated for modern fish farming practices to boost the economic activity and ensure longevity.
Management of fishery resources has been hinted to ensure their potential has been maximized and brought the best possible outcome. One of the predicaments other than illegal fishing gears, has been water pollution from industries and careless disposal of waste. They have affected water resources, endangering both the flora and fauna.
The efforts of the Government have pulled off in recent times, arresting law breakers in the faculty who are facing the law. Illegal fishing gears have been confiscated as well, with undocumented fishes seized in the process. President Magufuli’s leadership has seen various positive changes especially in the business sector with irregularities and corruption being dealt with quickly.
Such actions by disloyal fishermen has cost the government lump some of revenue that could have played major roles in the economy. Being an extension of agriculture, the fishing industry has been a source of livelihood to many Tanzanians and source of employment.
The contribution of the industry to the general GDP of the nation is merely 2 per cent but could rise to 10 per cent, should measures be undertaken to expand the sector. Harnessing its fish from Lake Victoria which is jointly shared by Uganda and Kenya as well, it has a high potential to contribute to the regional market with proper organization and management.
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Post harvest losses were recorded to go up to 70 per cent, posing a threat to its longevity and production. More investments could steer the direction of the industry to a proper destination of expansion and growth. There are more opportunities existing in the industry with the shortage of supply to be used as business opportunities. 80% of fishes capture emanate from seas and lakes but still do not meet the demand of the market.
