The Kenya Coast Guard Service in Lamu has arrested 16 fishermen for using prohibited monofilament nets to fish in the Indian Ocean.
Their vessels were impounded during the raid, which took place on Wednesday evening at the Manda Bruno channel.
Monofilament nets are prohibited since they are not selective of species and thus their use results in a large bycatch of non-target fish, sharks, turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals.
They are also known to destroy fish breeding sites and deplete stocks.
Speaking last Thursday, Kenya Coast Guard Service public affairs officer Kenneth Sabila said such fishing gear would not be tolerated as they carry devastating effects on marine life and the environment.
“Our officers on patrol nabbed four boats with 16 occupants, from whom we recovered 29 pieces of monofilament nets. We have them in police custody and shall present them in court soon,” Sabila said.
He advised fishermen to heed warnings discouraging the use of illegal gear that includes monofilament and purse seine.
“We won’t allow you to fish without a valid license and craft registration, it is our mandate as the KCGS to protect our marine resources and ensure relevant laws are upheld,” Sabila said.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Agriculture called for a total ban on the importation of monofilament nets, mostly from Asia, terming them the greatest threat to Kenya's fishing industry.
Edited by A.N
