This is an update on a many month old discussion thread about ring-net fishing in Kenya.

The Nairobi Star reports the below on November 1st. What is the DLIST communities take on the ring-net fishing issue? Can it be done without causing negative effects on the substrates and habitats? Should the ban be revisited or should it remain and be enforced?

Fisheries and industrialization minister yesterday directed fishermen and stakeholders in the industry to agree on whether the ban on the ring-net fishing should be lifted or remain in place. A section of the stakeholders are supporting ring-net fishing arguing that it benefited the locals by boosting their economic livelihood while others claim that it destroyed young fish and was a threat to marine life.

Speaking in Watamu over the weekend, Amazon Kingi said fishing stakeholders in the entire Coastline should prepare a report on their demands regarding the ring-net controversy which would be reviewed and a permanent resolution given by the government. He said there have been conflicting reports over the issue which had made it difficult for the authorities to come up with conclusive decision. "I challenge the fishermen and stakeholders to come up with a report on ring-net fishing so as to resolve the issue amicably," he said.

Kingi who hails from the Coast said he went from Vanga to Kiunga to meet the stakeholders when he took over at the ministry so as to get views on the controversy but got diverse views on ring-net fishing activities. He said some were for and others against the activity. He said at one time the stakeholders clashed at a meeting when they failed to agree on the fate of ring-net fishing. "Those who are differing are both locals, they don't speak in one voice which makes it difficult to reach a permanent solution," he said.

The Ring-net fishing was banned two years ago following protests by some fishermen and environmentalists who claimed it was destroying marine life. However the ban was temporarily lifted after some groups protested saying it was denying them income. Reports from the ministry however indicate that it was recently banned again but still the ring-net fishermen were spotted in Watamu. One of the ring-net fishing boat with 40 people on board was involved in an accident last month killing two people after it was hit by strong winds.

A reliable source from Watamu said ring-netters were still fishing and had been spotted last week after sending a delegation to the assistant minister Abu Chiaba to be allowed to fish. Chiaba also disclosed that there were conflicting reports from the fishermen with some units supporting the ring-net fishing while some opposed and said a committee had been formed to resolve the issue. "The problem is with the fishermen themselves they are divided and both of them are locals which make the whole issue complicated but the committee formed will come up with a conclusive decision," he said.
Mr Athman Shosi a ring-net owner of the MV Yusra fishing vessel in Watamu protested against the ban saying those opposed to the ring-nets were foreigners using the locals to frustrate them. He said they help over 600 fish mongers in Malindi and Magarini who bought fish from the ring-net fishermen at low prices. "We want ring-net fishing to be allowed because it really helps improve the welfare of the locals, our fishermen usually bring fish daily and sell it cheaply," he said.

I look forward to hear from the DLIST community on this topic.

Best wishes, Frida