Fish Experts Call for Halting Fishing During Rainy Season to Boost Production

Addis Ababa, June 9/2024(ENA)  Ethiopian Fishery experts have called for restricting fishing activities during the rainy season that would allow water bodies to replenish and significantly contribute to the 'Bounty of Basket Initiative' by enabling higher yields in the future.

The 'Bounty of Basket' initiative aims to ensure household food security, with livestock and fishery development being key focus areas.  

Ethiopia is endowed with numerous lakes, including the vast Lake Tana and Great Rift Valley lakes, as well as rivers and reservoirs, presenting immense potential for fishery resources.

In addition to natural water bodies, the country can boost modern fish production by developing man-made reservoirs and ponds. 

However, experts acknowledged that Ethiopia has yet to fully harness its fishery potential through optimal utilization of existing resources.

Fishery experts further asserted that seasonal variations significantly impact fish yields.

 Professionals from areas renowned for high fish production, such as Bahir Dar, Gambela, and Arba Minch, have shared insights with the Ethiopian News Agency.

According to the experts, the period from March to late July is the peak breeding season for fish, making it challenging to sustain high yields during the rainy season.

Okach Balute, Head of the Gambela Regional Livestock and Fishery Development Bureau, explained, "During the rainy season, rivers and reservoirs swell with floodwaters, preventing us from locating and catching fish as easily as in dry months."

 

Yidnekachew Luwa, a fishery development expert at the Gamo Zone Agriculture Office in Southern Ethiopia, added, "Turbidity disrupts the food chain in lakes during the rainy season, leading to reduced yields compared to dry periods."

According to Yidnekachew, the primary reason for lower fish production during the rainy months is that it coincides with the breeding season, causing the fish to disperse to spawning areas and become less accessible.

Dawit Deghom, Chairperson of the Arba Minch Fish Producers' Specialized Basic Cooperative Association, reinforced that fluctuations in atmospheric conditions during the rainy season contribute to decreased fish yields.

Abebe Fentahun, a fishery expert at the Amhara Regional Livestock and Fishery Development Office, highlighted that efforts are made to discourage fishing, particularly in Lake Tana, during the breeding months to safeguard the resource.

While fish supply to markets may seem reduced during these months, Abebe noted that this measure ultimately ensures sustainable yields in the long run.

Anteneh Tesfaye, Director of Livestock and Fishery Breeding at the Gambela Regional Livestock and Fishery Development Bureau, emphasized that halting fishing activities during the rainy season helps achieve abundant yields in the subsequent months.

 

Currently, modern "co-management" or participatory fishery management practices are being implemented, regulating fishing gear and timing to prevent resource depletion and ensure sustainability.

Furthermore, Anteneh stated that restoring vegetation along riverbanks and reservoirs through the Green Legacy Initiative helps maintain a favorable aquatic environment, shielding fish from predators during the breeding period.