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Momodou
Denmark
11855 Posts |
 Posted - 21 Apr 2008 : 18:01:56
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Fisherman Demands More Responsible Fishing Practice
By Madi S. Njie
A fisherman is demanding appropriate measures to be put in place to address what is regarded as an over-exploitation of the fisheries resources by both foreign licensed fishing trawlers and local fishing operators.
Pa Ousman Bojang, a middle-aged Gambian fisherman at the Bakau Fishing Centre, told Foroyaa that there is the need for the fisheries department to ensure that the current fishing practices are up to standard in order to guarantee fish safety and a sustainable fishing industry in The Gambia.
In an interview with this reporter, Mr. Bojang accused foreign licensed fishing trawlers, as well as other locally licensed fishing boat, having the habit of over fishing and indiscriminate use of wrong sized fishing nets which is threatening to the future of fishing in the country. He explained that certain trawlers, licensed to fish in Gambian waters, often use fishing nets with the size of about 25 square centimetres which is not recommended. He said that these trawlers also do cast their nets in fish breeding areas thus catching and destroying the little ones.
“This practice is detrimental to the future sustainability of fishing in The Gambia,” said Mr. Bojang.
He added “There are other bigger local boats called “Fela Turne”, which also use small size fishing nets that catch both small and big fish that end up in the killing and dumping of small fish.”
Mr. Bojang stressed the need for enforcement of the national laws, such as the Fisheries Act, 2008 to ensure that we achieve the Millennium Development Goals and eradicate poverty.
He further appealed for additional support to the fishing industry, in terms of capacity building, training and coordination to improve the fisheries sector to enhance sustainable development and promote the alleviation of poverty.
He commended the efforts of government and called for closer collaboration and partnership between the fishing operators and relevant government departments and invited other stakeholders, including NGOs and parastatals, among others, to come forward and support The Gambia’s fishing industry.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 46/208, 21 – 22 April 2008
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