CAUGHT IN CRISIS
East Africa’s Battle Against Illegal Fishing
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CAUGHT IN CRISIS
East Africa's Battle Against Illegal Fishing
As dawn breaks over Lake Victoria, the heart of East Africa, the once-thriving fishing communities of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and South Sudan now face several challenges that threaten their livelihoods and food security.
In Tanzania, the fishing industry has plunged due to rampant illegal practices and regulatory failures, leaving fishermen struggling to catch even a fraction of their former yields. Processing plants, which once bolstered the local economy, now operate at a fraction of their capacity, reflecting the broader crisis gripping the region.
In Uganda, illegal fishing and corruption have hurt the economy, leaving fishermen struggling with a strong demand for immature fish and weak enforcement of the rules.
Across the border in Kenya, overfishing and competition for dwindling resources are intensifying conflicts among different fishing groups, worsened by harmful practices that threaten fish populations. Meanwhile, the DR Congo, the largest member of the East African Community, faces its challenges, as armed groups and environmental degradation further complicate the struggle for sustainable fishing practices.
In contrast, South Sudan’s fishing sector is mushrooming with potential following years of conflict, yet it grapples with a lack of cohesive regulations that hinder sustainability and profitability. As local traders struggle with high taxes and illegal fees, the dream of a booming fishing industry remains just out of reach.
This collaborative story dives deep into the intricate dynamics of these five countries, revealing the urgent need for reform and cooperation to restore the ecological balance of lakes in the region and support the communities that depend on resources within these lakes.
Fishing Industry on the Brink
Navigating the waters of Lake Victoria has become a struggle for Tanzanian fishermen. Six out of twelve registered fish processing plants in Mwanza are now dormant, while the remaining operate at less than 30 percent of capacity.
This dire situation is attributed to illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing, which has drastically reduced the average daily catch from 500 kilograms to less than five kilograms in just a decade.
Lake Victoria, a vital resource for local communities, currently supports 3.3 percent of Tanzania’s economy through fishing—a drop from 7 percent in 2011. “The factories are running at very low capacity,” says Onesmo Sulle, Executive Secretary of the Tanzania Industrial Fishing and Processors Association (TIFPA) stressing that, “they (factories) survive only to repay loans and equity.”
The factories rely on a risky mutually beneficial relationship with local fishermen, who get loans from the factories to support their operations but are now unable to supply enough fish due to depleted stocks. But also, if a factory shuts down, the funds provided to fishermen are unrecovered. Additionally, if fishermen do not meet their supply targets, the factory struggles to repay its loans, which results in bankruptcy.
Notably, seasoned fishermen like Polla Masumbuko and Arnold Mashimba, once prominent figures in Mara, Mwanza and Kagera regions around Lake Victoria, have declared bankruptcy.
Masumbuko, who dedicated 25 years to fishing, notes that the introduction of Operation Sangara by the Ministry of Fisheries in 2017 aimed to combat illegal fishing but ultimately left many struggling. “I had to transition to farming,” he lamented, citing the unsustainable costs of fishing with dwindling catches.
Fishermen increasingly use banned methods, such as monofilament nets and beach seines, leading to further depletion of fish stocks. The Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI) highlights that these illegal practices exacerbate the ongoing crisis, as monitoring and control efforts are often seasonal and insufficient.
Government statistics reflect a decline in Nile perch exports, dropping from about 25,000 tons valued at Tsh 325.4 billion (USD 128 million) in 2011 to Tsh 8.9 billion (USD 3.5 million) by 2022.
While initiatives like Operation Sangara had temporarily boosted revenues, the continuous rise in illegal fishing activities has undermined these efforts.
Residents like 65-year-old Paulina Misalaba from Sengerema district express their despair, stating, “All of my entire life I have depended on this lake. But now there are no fish, and people are desperate.” This sentiment is echoed across fishing communities that once thrived on abundant catches, now facing uncertainty.
The Tanzanian government has recognized the urgency of addressing illegal fishing, but efforts remain fragmented. Although the National Fisheries Policy of 2015 promises the establishment of monitoring systems, progress has been slow, with less than 40 percent of planned patrols conducted in the past year, according to Minister Abdallah Ulega.
As fishermen continue to grapple with illegal practices and dwindling resources, the situation has become dire. In particular, they are increasingly deploying beach seines locally called ‘kokoro‘ monofilament nets, trawlers, and gillnets with less than 17 millimeters mesh size — all being illegal fishing gears, according to Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI).
According to Jesca Adams a fisheries expert at the University of Dar es Salaam, harvesting premature Nile Perch, “diminishes the fish population’s reproductive capacity,” disrupting age structure and “leading to fewer mature Nile Perch.”
Elius Renatus, operations manager at a Nile Perch Processing Factory in Mwanza, one of the factories that has been hit hard by illegal fishing activities, said the government needs to up its games on monitoring, control and surveillance. He suggested the need to adopt the Ugandan surveillance style by deploying the army on the lake. “I strongly urge our government to follow in the footsteps of Uganda and take decisive action,” he says.”
From 2014 to 2022, the High Court Mwanza Registry prosecuted a steady stream of cases involving illegal fishing in various districts, including Mwanza, Nyamagana, Magu, Sengerema, Misungwi, Chato, and Geita. Geita consistently recorded the most cases.
Despite the persistence of illegal fishing, figures show that concern over the problem was at its peak in 2014-2015, with a total of 205 and 211 court cases being filed. This number mainly decreased from 2016-2021, though it rose slightly again in 2022 to 145 cases.
The East African Community’s (EAC) fisheries watchdog, the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO), acknowledges that management measures it recommended – such as limiting fishing capacity and closing the fishing season for at least two calendar months each year- have not been adopted.
Now, residents in Mwanza are left contemplating the future of their livelihoods, uncertain whether to blame climate change, government negligence, or the collective indifference towards sustainable practices. But efforts are underway to curb illegal fishing, with plans for 16 monitoring and reporting centers around Lake Victoria.
The ministry has allocated approximately Tsh. 1 billion (around USD $400,000) for the protection of vulnerable areas critical to sustaining fish stocks.
“We’re eager to restore the sector’s lost glory,” says Mohamed Sheikh, Director of Fisheries. He emphasizes the urgent need to revamp regulations to combat illegal fishing in all waters.
Illegal Fishing and Corruption
For generations, fishers have worked along Lake Nalubaale (Lake Victoria) in Uganda, particularly at the Kasensero landing site, which once played a crucial role in the nation’s economy.
Fish exports contributed about six percent to Uganda’s earnings, but by June 2023, Nile Perch exports had plummeted to eighth place, overtaken by coffee, cocoa, and wheat partly due to rampant illegal fishing.
Hakim Kakembo, chair of the Kasensero anti-illegal fishing committee, states, “This landing site began as a base for illegal fishing.” The 2023 Uganda Auditor General’s report indicates that 25 percent of fishing gear used in Uganda is illegal, with practices increasing dramatically over the past two decades.
Despite military enforcement initiated by the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) in 2017, illegal fishing persists due to high costs and growing demand for immature fish. Kakembo adds that illegal fishing appears appealing because “it is cheap and brings in quick money.”
The UPDF’s presence has been controversial, facing allegations of human rights abuses. But, military operations intensified resulting in many arrests.
Fishermen have claimed, “They didn’t deploy the army… for conservation purposes; they came to plunder.” While some believe military presence deters crime, others argue it fails to effectively address local issues like theft.
But Lt. Col Lauben Ndifula, spokesperson for the Fisheries Protection of the Ugandan army denies these allegations and attributes them to the smears of illegal fishers who have been caught on the wrong side of the law. He says in the event a soldier is implicated in extortion or soliciting bribes from fishers, that officer is held accountable.“The fishers at the landing sites have the contacts of the CO [Commanding Officer], they can call her direct,” notes Lt. Col Ndifula.
According to data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, which tracks data on conflicts around the world, fish-related conflicts have generally increased in Uganda in the last decade, with a high in 2021. Violence against civilians accounted for almost half of the cases.
Judicial reforms, such as plea bargaining, initially increased convictions but later revealed troubling trends, with dismissals of illegal fishing cases rising from 25 percent in 2021 to 76 percent in 2023 – the vast majority in Koome court, one of the courts in the islands.
This data represents less than half of overall fish-related court cases in Uganda over this period, however, as specific case data from courts including Kalangala and the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court was not provided by the time of publishing.
The 2022 Fisheries and Aquaculture Act introduced harsher penalties, yet enforcement remains inconsistent because of limited resources and corruption within some agencies. Local leaders face skepticism regarding genuine reform, especially against powerful offenders connected to politics.
In particular, the overall statistics from the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court based in Kampala shows that 86 percent of the court’s 1,606 cases registered ended in convictions: a much higher conviction rate than at local lakeside courts including Koome, Lake Katwe, Lukaya and Nakasongola.
But also, illegal cross-border trade and theft have escalated at Lake Nalubaale, particularly concerning the theft of boat engines. Fred Kwizera, the chairperson of Kasensero Landing site, highlights the issue, stating, “Because we are at the border with Tanzania, robbers from Tanzania target us.” He notes that in 2024 alone, at least 25 engines have been stolen, with thieves often using sticks and pangas instead of firearms.
The Kalangala Resident District Commissioner, Eva Kwesiga, attributes some thefts to tensions between Uganda’s Marine Unit and Tanzania’s fisherfolk, who retaliate by stealing engines.
“The Uganda Marine Unit often clashes with the Fisheries Protection Unit, confiscating Tanzanian catches, which leads to retaliatory theft of our boat engines,” she says. Despite military presence, weak regulation allows the lucrative illegal trade in immature fish to thrive, as Kwizera points out.
The demand for immature fish, especially in the DRC, adds to the problem. Kwizera explains that “without connections with the government, no one is able to take such fish to DRC,” indicating collusion in this illegal trade.
Meanwhile, local fisherman Ssekindu Hassan emphasizes the need for affordable legal fishing nets to combat poverty and illegal practices. Despite a previous decline in illegal fishing gear use, the resurgence of affordable “manyala” nets presents ongoing challenges, as they are low-cost alternatives to legal nets.
“There’s a monofilament net, or ‘manyala’ made in China. Weak enforcement allows it to be imported and used for catching immature fish, or makayabu, destined for the DRC. One kilo costs shs. 2,000, with five to six fish per kilo,” he says.
Fisherman Jjuko Steven argues that reducing taxes on legal nets could alleviate the issue, given that illegal nets can be five times cheaper. Additionally, the entry of illegal nets is often attributed to corruption and inadequate border control, as noted by Kwesiga Eva.
The secrecy surrounding their trade suggests an organized system benefiting those who exploit the situation. As local fisher Ssemakula Rajab explains, “That illegal net can’t be bought by any ordinary person,” underscoring the need for better enforcement at borders.
The ongoing struggles of fishers are compounded by their inability to organize effectively against exploitation, while attempts to establish groups like the Association of Fishers and Lake Users of Uganda face skepticism.
With many abandoning fishing for less capital-intensive maize farming, the situation may worsen unless the government prioritizes solutions, such as supporting local production of legal fishing gear, as suggested by the Auditor General.
The Struggle for Survival
In December 2023, Asha Okoth Jaoko, a boat owner from Kiumba Beach on Rusinga Island, faced the distressing news that 18 pieces of his Nile perch nets were stolen, just days after losing another 30 pieces. These thefts occurred at night when fishermen typically leave their nets in the water.
“By the time the first 30 pieces were stolen… I was using one boat… Now that the nets belonging to this one have also been stolen, I can’t go back to the lake unless I get some assistance,” Jaoko lamented.
Nile perch fishing requires substantial investment, with each piece of gill net costing approximately KShs. 3,200 (USD $21). A fisherman typically needs about 40 nets, totaling around KShs. 128,000 (USD $835).
Unfortunately, Jaoko’s experience is not unique; fishermen in Kiumba and surrounding areas face similar challenges, largely attributed to silver cyprinid fishermen who fish at night.
Conflicts among fishing communities have intensified as fish populations decline, a trend driven by overfishing and illegal practices, according to the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS).
The fisheries sector supports over 700,000 livelihoods in Kenya, with Lake Victoria serving as the country’s most significant inland fishery. In 2022, inland fisheries accounted for 67 percent of total fish production, with Lake Victoria contributing a substantial share.
However, fish production in Homa Bay County has sharply declined from 80,150 to 50,053 metric tonnes between 2013 and 2022, exacerbating tensions between different fishing groups.
Peter Okong’o Magunda, vice chairperson of Kiumba Beach Management Unit (BMU), explained that silver cyprinid fishermen often encroach on established traps, leading to conflicts. “They take the catch… and also destroy our nets in the process,” he noted.
Despite BMU rules that encourage spatial separation of fishing efforts, practical enforcement is complicated. Nile perch fishermen often rely on non-motorized boats, making it difficult to reposition without running afoul of Ugandan authorities, who may impose fines for transgressions.
Wasunga Okeyo, assistant chairman patrol of the Kiumba BMU, highlights the growing presence of silver cyprinid fishermen from various beaches who overwhelm Nile perch fishing grounds, citing instances of up to 40 silver cyprinid boats crowding a single Nile perch spot.
The use of illegal nets with smaller mesh sizes exacerbates the situation, as they capture immature Nile perch, contributing to population declines.
The thriving silver cyprinid business is evident at Litare Beach, where large quantities of this fish are dried for sale. However, this success leads to further conflicts.
Peter Odhiambo, assistant secretary of Litare BMU, described how the fishing techniques of silver cyprinid fishermen often lead to the destruction of Nile perch gill nets, prompting Kiumba BMU to carry out patrols that have, at times, resulted in the destruction of silver cyprinid nets and equipment.
According to Michael Ogemba Akoko, the sub-county fisheries officer, increased fishing efforts due to unemployment and limited resources have heightened competition, leading to conflicts over dwindling fish stocks.
He points out that illegal practices, including the use of small gillnets and harmful fishing methods, have intensified the problem.
Akoko reiterates that the main reason behind the constant conflicts among the fisherfolk is the dwindling supply.
“The beaches are not producing as much fish as they were before. Hence, everyone is trying to get something little, even if it means resorting to illegal means,” he says.
Some of the illegal fishing practices mentioned in a 2021 report by the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) include the use of gillnets below five inches (<5″); undersized longline hooks of number 10 or smaller, the deployment of all sizes of monofilament gears, the use of beach seine nets, and the use of harmful weeds, dynamite and cast nets.
Dr. Christopher Aura of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) noted that overfishing, along with climate change and nutrient pollution from upstream activities, has severely affected fish populations. “Fish are struggling to reproduce due to low oxygen levels and increasing temperatures,” he stated.
To address these issues, BMUs have initiated a zoning method, which rotates fishing grounds every 15 days to reduce conflicts. Nick Rimba, Chairperson Kaswanga BMU and Rusinga BMU Network, reports a significant decrease in conflicts since implementing this strategy. However, logistical challenges remain, as patrols are costly and rely on voluntary participation.
While temporary solutions have led to a reduction in conflict, the long-term sustainability of fish populations remains a critical issue. Dr. Aura emphasized the government’s efforts to restock Nile tilapia and explore broader solutions to restore Lake Victoria’s fishery health.
The fishing communities continue to seek equitable access to the lake’s resources, striving for balance between livelihoods and conservation.
Crisis at Lake Edward
Fish populations in Lake Edward, situated on the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, are plummeting due to several factors, including a more than 300% increase in fishing boats, the influence of armed groups, rampant corruption, and climate change.
As a result, malnutrition is rising, particularly among women and children, and illegal fishing practices are becoming widespread.
Alphonsine Masika, a local fish vendor, expresses frustration about the lack of fish in markets, noting, “It’s become a habit now. The owners of the canoes sell all the production in advance to merchants in large towns like Butembo.”
Fishermen like Eric Mumbere also face challenges; he remarked, “The bulk of the fish that we catch belongs to the owner of the canoe. We only benefit from a tenth of production.” This observation is surprising for Joël Kyavu, a student in Butembo. He and his classmates visited the Kyavinyonge fishery for professional practices.
“I thought when I came back from here I would bring loads of fish with me, but that’s not the case. The price of fish is higher here than back home in Butembo, even though we are supposed to be in a fishery. They explained to us that there is a deficiency, that the lake no longer produces enough fish,” he said.
On the local market in the Kyavinyonge fishery, a kilogram of fish sells for 15,000 Congolese Francs, around USD 6. This is not affordable for many families, who are already impoverished by insecurity that has shaken the region since 2013 and live on less than USD 2 a day
The illegal fishing practices are exacerbated by fishermen using small mesh nets and even mosquito nets, which capture juvenile fish indiscriminately.
Fish production and productivity on Lake Edward are declining, according to a study published in 2018 in the journal Tropicultura. Meanwhile, the number of fishing units was 275 percent over the recommended quota, this scientific study recognized for the first time.
Joël Muhindo Vyalengekanya, the head of the SAPEIKYA fishermen’s group, highlights the rise in illegal canoes, stating, “A number of 1,187 fishing units are legally authorized, but currently there are more than 4,000 canoes on Lake Edward.”
And also, corruption is rampant among officials who overlook illegal activities for bribes, which range from USD 20-80.
A local fisherman revealed, “Every time I am involved in fishing, I pay an amount to an intermediary of a naval force official to get the green light.” Such practices undermine any attempts at sustainable fishing.
Among fishermen, there are those who fish with small mesh nets. It is recommended to use 4.5-inch mesh nets, but some fishermen use lower mesh nets. Others use what is called Kikuvo, a practice of forcefully striking the water in any direction to push the fish towards the installed traps, not forgetting fishing in the breeding zones used for the reproduction of fish according to Vyalengekanya.
Mosquito nets are often distributed free of charge to residents as part of anti-malaria campaigns led by the Congolese government and its partners, including The UN health agency -WHO, UN children’s agency – UNICEF, the World Bank and Santé Rurale Sanru.
These mosquito nets are used illegally to catch fish, often capturing fingerlings along with bigger fish. The nets are also sold in the market for around USD 1 each, which makes them widely accessible.
Steven Kambale head of the Environmental Service responsible for overseeing environmental regulations in Kyavinyonge, highlights the ongoing efforts to combat illegal fishing practices in the region.
“We went to the lake to enforce fishing standards. This is how we saw fishermen placing these nets. As we approached, they fled. We have collected these nets, which we will incinerate to discourage these practices,” Kambale says.
Armed groups further complicate the situation, engaging in extortion and illegal fishing, contributing to an environment of lawlessness. The Virunga Alliance reports that “the number of members of armed groups around the Park is estimated at 3,000 individuals.”
These groups also impose illegal taxes on fishermen, exacerbating the region’s instability.
“The number of members of armed groups around the park is estimated at 3,000 individuals, including 1,500 within its borders. These groups engage in a number of criminal activities, including charcoal trafficking, illegal fishing, illegal farming, poaching for ivory and wildlife meat, kidnapping and extortion (tolls and taxes),” reads the website of the Virunga Alliance, which coordinates activities in the park in partnership with the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation, an institution under the supervision of the Congolese Ministry of the Environment whose mission is to manage parks and protected areas.
Professor Sahani Walere from the Catholic University of Graben, states that “around 20 tonnes of silt are dumped into Lake Edward each year,” primarily due to erosion from the surrounding hills.
This sediment influx decreases the lake’s depth and hampers fish reproduction, compelling Congolese fishermen to venture into Ugandan waters, leading to legal conflicts over fishing rights.
Fish-related conflicts in the DRC have risen from 2010 to 2023, with a peak in 2021, largely due to illegal cross-border fishing and tensions among armed groups. Despite a bilateral agreement in 2018 aimed at sustainable fishery management, the demarcation of lake boundaries remains unresolved. The agreement proposes the establishment of an organization to mitigate conflicts, yet this organization has yet to materialize.
According to data downloaded from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, which tracks data on conflicts around the world at least 20 cases were tracked around Lake Edward in this period, most relating to illegal cross-border fishing or conflicts among armed groups, the Congolese army and civilians.
The local community is further impacted by deforestation and land degradation, driven by wood harvesting and agricultural expansion, which exacerbate erosion and landslides. This environmental degradation has led to substantial property damage, especially during severe weather events in 2023.
Professor Walere also highlights the problem of deforestation facing the west coast of Lake Edward. In search of wood for embers, building homes or cultivating fields, some people cut trees around the lake. This makes the land around the lake vulnerable to erosion, which causes landslides.
Walere calls on the state to provide resources to facilitate in-depth studies on climate change and its impact on the productivity of Lake Edward. In April and August 2023, enormous damage was recorded during rains accompanied by strong winds in Vitshumbi, a fishery located on the west coast of Lake Edward in Virunga National Park in Rutshuru territory.
Roofs of several houses were blown away by these winds. School walls and churches were also demolished, while many other homes were flooded by the rising waters of the lake mixed with that of the rains that fell on the region after long months of drought.
Fishing, once a viable livelihood, has become increasingly unproductive, prompting many to seek alternative income sources.
Néhémie Kavusa, a former fisherman, now operates a motorcycle taxi service, explaining, “I no longer knew how to provide for my family with fishing.” This shift reflects a broader trend; locals are diversifying their activities, including hairdressing and farming, often within the boundaries of Virunga National Park.
Aristote Mumbere, in his late thirties, now combines fishing with running a hairdressing salon. “At this rate, I can’t support my family solely through fishing. I go to the lake out of necessity, but I focus on my salon, where I also employ three young people frustrated with the lake’s low yields,” he explains.
The repercussions extend beyond economic concerns. Health professionals report rising malnutrition levels among mothers and children, with underweight births reaching alarming figures.
Masika Akida, a local bar-restaurant owner, laments the decline in clientele due to reduced fish catches, underscoring the broader economic ripple effects.
Looking ahead, oil exploration poses a new threat to Lake Edward’s ecosystem.
In July 2022, Minister of Hydrocarbons Didier Budimbu announced tenders for 30 hydrocarbon blocks, including Block V, which spans parts of Lubero and Rutshuru in North Kivu and encroaches on Virunga National Park and Lake Edward. This crude oil could be transported via the EACOP project, a pipeline by Total Energies stretching from Uganda to Tanzania.
Josué Mukura, a Congolese fisherman and environmental activist, spoke out against this development in France, stating, “150,000 people depend directly on fishing in this lake; 500,000 indirectly.”
He emphasized the importance of Virunga’s forests, which harbor significant biodiversity. Mukura warned that oil exploitation in Lake Edward would lead to water pollution, decreased fish productivity, and increased food insecurity, along with health risks for local residents.
To address the fish deficiency, initiatives such as the Virunga Fisheries Cooperative’s aquaculture project (COPEVI) aim to introduce sustainable practices. However, entrenched illegal fishing practices and outdated regulations hinder progress.
Pascal Mbusa, manager of COPEVI, states that the cooperative has initiated modern aquaculture by constructing fish ponds and hatcheries in Vitshumbi and Kyavinyonge, focusing on breeding Clarias gariepinus.
He noted that this project is “one of the alternatives to anthropogenic pressure on the fishing resources of Lake Edward.”
Driven by the desire to compensate for the deficiency of fish in urban centers, Doctor Toussaint Murusi, a researcher at the Catholic University of Graben, initiated a fish farming activity. On his plot, he maintains around 10 fish tanks in which he raises fish of the clarias species.
“I wanted to prove to people that it’s not only in the lake that you can find fish. If we practice urban fish farming, there is a reason to take up the challenge of fish deficiency,” he says.
Experts including Professor Mutambwe Shango advocate for modernized fishing laws to adapt to current realities, emphasizing the need for effective state regulation to preserve this vital resource.
Professor Mutambwe a lecturer at the University of Kinshasa and expert in aquatic ecology, notes that the big problem lies in the age of “these laws which govern fishing. They do not take into account current realities.” For him, everything considered as an illegal practice concerning fishing must be listed in a law.
Potential Amid Challenges
In the heart of South Sudan, a burgeoning fishing sector is navigating the tumultuous waters of potential and peril. Since the peace agreement of 2006, which marked the end of a protracted civil war, the country’s fishing industry has witnessed significant growth, producing around 200,000 metric tons of fish last year, with projections soaring to between 300,000 and 400,000 tons annually by 2025.
These estimates are based on management theory, where scientists calculate the surface areas of water bodies to determine the potential yield per hectare.
Yet, this promising rise is overshadowed by a pressing lack of regulatory policies that threaten to undermine its sustainability.
Jackson Muso, the director general of the National Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries, emphasizes the role of environmental factors in this surge.
“Flooding enhances fish propagation,” he explains, highlighting how the natural cycle bolsters productivity.
The White Nile, along with its expansive wetlands, provides a crucial habitat for over 100 fish species, including the Nile tilapia and African catfish.
While the local fishing community primarily relies on traditional methods—spears, traps, and local canoes—the demand for fish has escalated, especially for exports to neighboring countries like Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Esther Deng, a businesswoman in Bor town, Jonglei state underscores the competition faced by South Sudanese traders. “We have Kenyan, Tanzanian, and Ugandan fish in the market,” she states, pointing out the pressing need for better selling systems to compete effectively.
However, fishermen struggle with outdated techniques and insufficient training. “Our fish is the last product in the market,” Deng notes, advocating for enhanced education and resources for local fishers to improve quality and boost exports.
Compounding these issues, high taxation and illegal fees collected at various checkpoints hinder profitability. “The taxation in South Sudan is becoming too much,” Deng asserts, urging for governmental intervention to alleviate the burden.
Oyoti Adigo, the National Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, highlights that illegal tax collectors complicate the already fraught landscape for fish traders, further stressing the need for coherent regulatory measures.
According to the South Sudan Financial Act 2023-2024, fish entering South Sudan are taxed at 5 percent. Imported goods and locally manufactured goods also pay 18 percent sales tax.
Despite the Ministry’s efforts to streamline taxation through a new financial system, traders continue to face rampant illegal fees imposed by armed groups and unregulated checkpoints. Daniel Kumbotio, a fish trader, describes the lengths to which traders must go to avoid these barriers, indicating a significant challenge in maintaining a viable business.
The overarching problem remains the lack of a cohesive fisheries policy. Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has yet to establish comprehensive regulations governing its fishing practices, leading to rampant illegal and unregulated fishing.
The overarching problem remains the lack of a cohesive fisheries policy. Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has yet to establish comprehensive regulations governing its fishing practices, leading to rampant illegal and unregulated fishing.
According to the Director General (DG) Central Equatoria State Ministry of Animal Resources, Fisheries and Tourism, Mr. Khamis Juma Aganasi, the ministry is partly working with the 1954 Sudan Fisheries Law, though it’s outdated.
Khamis said the ministry is still developing a new policy.
“At the moment, the ministry is in the process of developing a policy for animal resources, fisheries and tourism. … but [right now] we are working with the old one of Sudan,” he said.
Khamis said the ministry only issues operational fishing licenses, but the lack of a fisheries bill creates a big challenge to the ministry’s operation.
“If the laws are there, the ministry will have the mandate to give them the pressure. The government is supposed to support us by passing our fisheries bill, so that at the end of the day we have to regulate our activities,” Khamis said.
According to the country’s National Fisheries Policy, South Sudan aims to develop the aquaculture sector to contribute to economic growth, poverty alleviation and food security. This requires an enabling environment to attract private investment and funding for the development of integrated agriculture in rural areas.
Local authorities are stepping in where national policies falter. In Terekeka County, for instance, local fishing associations are taking charge, setting rules regarding net sizes and fish conservation methods. Alphonso Pitia, secretary general of the Ketimba Fishing Association, points out that while their regulations help, the lack of national oversight means that illegal fishing practices often go unchecked.
Pollution is yet another threat to South Sudan’s aquatic ecosystems. The Nile is increasingly burdened by plastic waste and sedimentation, affecting water quality and fish populations. Muso notes, “Plastic pollution is a critical issue here in Juba,” highlighting the need for a coordinated approach among Nile Basin countries to address these environmental concerns.
As South Sudan’s fishing sector stands at a crossroads, its potential for economic growth and food security is palpable.
The World Food Program reports that over 60% of the population faces acute food insecurity.
As South Sudan’s fishing sector stands at a crossroads, its potential for economic growth and food security is palpable. The World Food Program reports that over 60% of the population faces acute food insecurity. “The fishery sector is part of food security,” Adigo emphasizes, identifying it as a vital resource for the country’s impoverished populace.
With support from organizations like the FAO and UNIDO, there are initiatives underway to improve fish handling and processing, empowering women and youth through training programs. Lona Wani, chairperson of a women’s cooperative in Terekeka, reflects on the positive impact of such programs. “The money we get helps us take care of our families,” she shares, highlighting how fishing not only provides sustenance but also fosters community resilience.
As South Sudan strives to harness its aquatic resources, the call for a robust fisheries policy has never been more critical. Without it, the dreams of a thriving fishing industry may drift away, leaving the nation’s food security and economic aspirations at risk.
Reporting and Photography by: Sylivester Domasa, Christopher Kayonga, Sharon Atieno, Jonas Kiriko and Denis Morris Mimbugbe
Principle Investigators & Editors: Fredrick Mugira and Annika McGinnis
Videography: Production by Jonas Kiriko with inputs by Andrew Aijuka
Data Visualizations: Annika McGinnis, Sylivester Domasa, Sharon Atieno,Jonas Kiriko and Denis Morris Mimbugbe
Graphics: Jonathan Kabugo
Communications: Delicate Sive and Curity Ogada
Design and IT Support: Mukalele Rogers and Delicate Sive.
