A CAMPAIGN has been launched to protect the famous whale sharks off Mafia Island from human activities especially fishing practices.
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is
joining forces with Mafia District councils and the community to
encourage the public and fishermen to protect the world largest fish --
now a symbol of tourist attraction.
WWF Marine Sector Coordinator Dr Mathias
Igulu said whale sharks, one of the country’s marine life attractions,
however, are also under threat as a result of uncoordinated fishing
activities.
“Protection of these world endangered
species is a duty of all of us, not WWF or Mafia council,” he said on
Monday at the special occasion to mark the world fisheries day.
Nationwide, the day which has been
celebrated since 1998 was marked in Dar es Salaam bringing authorities
and government representatives to participate in a cleaning exercise at
the Magogoni Fish market.
Launching the campaign at Bondeni-pwani
area just adjacent to the coastline on behalf of Mafia District
Commissioner, the District Administrative Secretary Mr Gilbert Sandagila
said the district is well prepared to tackle dynamite fishing which has
also proved a threat to whale sharks.
The secretary also highlighted the need
for the general public to protect the nature for generations and
generations noting is a responsibility for the entire public
The world has been celebrating every
year bringing fishing communities through rallies, workshops, public
meetings, cultural programmes, dramas and exhibitions to highlight
importance of maintaining the world’s fisheries.
Whale Safari Director Tour guide and
Tourism Information Mr Liberatus Cassian noted that from Kisimani to
Kilindoni where whale sharks are mostly seen, the area is a big spot for
fishermen.
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