By Prossy Nandudu
Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization is to step up efforts to increase cage fish farming which is part of aquaculture as one of the measures that will promote sustainable fishing among its members. Current fish production from Lake Victoria is estimated at 1.5 million metric tons of fish valued at 1,139,000 USD.
This stems from their findings that although the Lake supports important fisheries, their sustainability is uncertain. The uncertainty will in the long run affect future catches, food security, employment, export earnings among others.
This is according to Dr Edward Rukuunya Director Fisheries Management & Development at the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO).
In an interview with Rukuunya, the main challenges in aquaculture is inadequate supply of quality fish seed and feed, limited extension services and limited credit facilities.
Rukuunya explained further that aquaculture is an important industry in the East African Community (EAC) which provides food and income, and has the potential to play an even greater role in the region’s economic development in the years to come.
He added that aquaculture production is however still low hence the need for investments in aquaculture along the value chain.
He added in addition to cage fish farming the organization is working with Partners to improve the Fisheries Management regimes by Enhancement of co-management, promoting unified Monitoring, Control and surveillance system, conducting, planning for fish restocking in the Lake Victoria.
