Lake Victoria, located between Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, is the second largest lake in the world and currently provides a living to more than 2 million Africans in the region. There are numerous fisheries around the lake and many individuals come from miles around, everyday, to fish for food and product to sell in markets. Because of the lack of regulations on the fisherman that troll Lake Victoria's waters, the lake is in a state of overfishing, making it difficult for many of the people who depend on it sustenance to continue to survive.
There are currently no regulations or limits on the number of fish, or the size of those fish that people can take out of the lake for food. In many other common fishing areas around the world, there are minimum requirements for the size of fish. This allows for fish to grow to at least an acceptable age where they could have reproduced a couple of times, thus replenishing the population and reducing the chances of overfishing. Having a maximum number of fish allowed to be caught also limits the number of fish being taken out of the lake on a daily basis.
Overfishing of Lake Victoria is a problem that needs to be addressed because overall fish size has decreased along with the number of fish catches. This reduction in size and number poses a threat to the region, which has previously been the most productive fishing region in the world. Lots of people depend on it to continue their way of life. Some solutions include ideas of having hatcheries and fisheries to allow fish to grow to the right size and age to regulate fish populations. This does not address the problem of not limiting or regulating fishermen and is not the ultimate saving solution. However, something needs to be done soon or Lake Victoria will not continue to sustain life for the people that depend on it.
Works Cited:
Ogutu-Ohwayo, Richard. "The Fisheries of Lake Victoria." UNEP.org. UNEP, n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2012 <http://www.unep.org/bpsp/Fisheries/Fisheries%20Case%20Study%20Summaries/Ogutu(Summary).pdf>.
Webb, Malcolm. "Uganda's Fish Stocks Depleting - Africa - Al Jazeera English."Uganda's Fish Stocks Depleting - Africa - Al Jazeera English. Al Jajeera Africa, n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2012. <http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/11/201211264350764134.html>.
It's a tough dilemma: limiting the use of resources for the greater good when people in a struggling economy are simply trying to make a living. Intervention is obviously a must as the current system is highly unsustainable, although it's difficult to come up with a solution that won't unfairly punish the small-scale fishermen, like those featured in the video. Underwater hatcheries are a great idea, although the video made it seem like those are only viable for large-scale operations. Finding some sort of middle ground that won't leave many of those two-million citizens out of work is a formidable issue. Government subsidies perhaps?
ReplyDeleteThis seems to be a serious issue in that it provides so many people with a source of income. Fish farming may be alternative to the issue as it won't drain the natural fish supply. The obvious solution is decrease supply (ie the number of fish being caught every year) but that puts many fisherman out of work like Charlotte mentioned. I can't imagine the three African countries having the money for subsidies or the ability to monitor and regulate the lake.
ReplyDeleteI think fish farming is one of the better ways to solve this dilemma and may be a steeping stone. The thing is that when the government imposes these regulation many people will see it as damaging to their lively hood, not only the fishermen but also the prices of fish will surely shoot up. Also another problem with regulation and law is enforcement which is very costly and may have room for corruption. Yet it does not change the fact that laws and enforcement is necessary.
ReplyDeleteI remember Michael talking about this in the beginning of the course. This was a shock to me. This shows the effect from losing natural resources. They are important to the people's survival. Fracking in Canada, the oil spill in the Gulf Coast, etc. are examples of how hurting the land and natural resources can hurt the people of the region.
ReplyDeleteOr perhaps fish farming via Micro loans and investment? Though that still does little for motivation to actually start the fish farm.
ReplyDeleteAnd even then there are many who advocate against fish farming because it is thought to produce inferior fish, overpower wild fish and force them into extinction, and change local fish migration and water patterns.
Many issues like this seem like no win situations and it's just a metter of would you rather suffer now, later, or both?