Collection of plastic bottles threatens marine life in Kigamboni

ANNE ROBI

RESIDENTS of Kigamboni District in Dar es Salaam have called upon the government to crack down on collection of plastics bottles in the city to help control the increasing dynamite fishing in the Indian Ocean.

The residents said that the bottles usually collected around the city are used for making explosives to stun or kill fishes in the sea illegally. They consequently asked the government to establish a mechanism to monitor collection of plastic containers and their end consumers.

The Secretary of the Collaborative Fisheries Management Area (CFMA), Mr Nicky also expressed the need for the government to intervene and stop the sale of fish products fished under explosives.

The call was made over the weekend during an event to hand over awards to best Beach Management Units from Rufiji, Kilwa, Mtwara and Kigamboni areas.

The awards were handed over by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

“We also call upon the government to stop the sale of illegal fish products at Mgogoni Market … the move would help control illegal fishing that are extremely destructive not only to the fish production but to the surrounding environment,” he said. Mr Tajir highly commended WWF for mobilising communities in the fight against illegal fishing.

He called for government efforts to help supplement the efforts by WWF to help conserve the beaches for the better future of the residents and the nation at large. Responding to the call, the DC vowed to take stern measures against the culprits, calling for intensive and inclusive crackdown from both the government and the public at Kigamboni area.

“The war against illegal fishing will not be won if the community members fail to fully participate in the war,” he said and announced to award those who will bring into book the culprits.

“Anyone who will bring us (government) the names of those involved in the illegal fishing would be awarded 200,000/, we cannot be able to conserve the natural resources if we don’t preserve them,” he said and vowed close supervision to ensure all culprits are brought into books.

Meanwhile, three out 15 BMUs were awarded better engagement in conservation and Management of useful aquatic resources. Those awarded include Gazaulole Beach Management Unit, Rufiji and Dangoni in Mafia.

The BMUs Programme Manager, Mr Mathians Igulu, said that through WWF, some 25 BMUs have been put up to help sensitise on the importance of the sea and how it cares for the residents at large. The BMUs also help create public awareness on the need to conserve the beaches.