SIMON MARSH: Plenty more fish in the sea? Not if we carry on like this

On a recent trip to Lake Naivasha, I was overwhelmed by how many nets crossed the water, held up by floating polystyrene cubes. There were so many that the tourist boat I was on was frequently having to disentangle the ropes from the rudder. The shores were equally crowded with people poised with some manner of makeshift fishing rod, waiting for a bite on the hook. Kenya’s fish are in big demand – and not only from those with a legitimate claim.

In April this year, there was an inspection of a prawn-trawling vessel off the coast near Kipini, where the Tana River emerges into the Indian Ocean. Aboard the vessel, which is still subject to investigation by the authorities, were no less than 43 immature sharks in a freezer. Whether or not this is technically illegal is not yet clear. However, we know sharks are the apex predator of the ocean. Removing young sharks from the ecosystem will likely lead to a dangerous imbalance.

The blue economy, especially fishing and ocean catch, may generate significant revenues for Kenya. But the methodology utilised needs to be very carefully considered and serious forethought given to the policing and governance that is urgently required.

It starts with controlling fishing licences. At present it costs Sh300 for a fishing licence, regardless of whether you are an industrial trawler or an artisan fisherman with a rod. The difference in output, though, is stark. Trawlers land industrial-scale catches that can generate huge profits, whilst an artisanal fisherman is likely at best to cater for the daily needs of his family with maybe only a little extra to sell.

The old adage that there’s “plenty more fish in the sea” is fast becoming redundant. Quite simply, there are neither enough fish in the sea nor in the lakes. Those trying to eke out a living from small-scale artisanal fishing are limited to the leftovers from the heavy trawlers that can scoop up everything from surface to sea bed. Is it fair that they pay the same price for that privilege?

The ballooning number of fishermen in the lakes is also leading to increased human-wildlife conflict, because humans aren’t the only dangerous mammals frequenting the lake. There are too many instances of the 700 or so hippos in Lake Naivasha killing a fisherman who has got too close. There are doubts that the myriad of new fishermen would want to return to their previous livelihoods, such as working on the flower farms, because it would not generate anywhere near as much money right now. But what about when there are no fish left to catch?

Smart, sustainable regulation of fishing licences – and strict enforcement of those regulations with controls and caps – is essential for the good of all Kenyans, not just of the fish and wider biodiversity.

And then there is the illegal side. The legal framework and mandates for enforcement of laws on illegal fishing exist. The Kenya Wildlife Service, the Ministry of Fisheries and the Coast Guard are all empowered to enforce relevant legislation on illegal fishing.

However, the responsibility for subsequent investigation then appears to pass to the police, who naturally do not have specialist expertise in this area. The result is that investigations concerning illegal fishing are unlikely to receive the degree of attention and expertise that other offences might receive. The net result is that illegal fishing is both lucrative and relatively low risk.

So, what’s the solution? Well, it has to start with enforcement of the law. Along with proper regulation of fishing licences, those fishing illegally need to be dealt with within the provisions of the law.

In enforcing the law, the authorities need to understand their powers and how to use them. They need to fully comprehend what is and isn’t permissible. Maybe most importantly, they need to collaborate to make best use of the skills and resources they have available. The Coast Guard, for example, has been patrolling some inland waterways and has done a good job facing a significant task with limited resources, but it needs more support and personnel.

Kenya is blessed to have an amazingly beautiful coastline and many inland watercourses. As the population continues to increase, we need to think carefully about how to ensure people can eat – not just today and tomorrow, but in the future.

There is naturally a tendency to think about how marine resources can be efficiently utilised to generate income, for families, for companies and for the state. But without good governance and enforcement of the law, Kenyans will soon be fishing empty waters with empty stomachs.