ARUSHA, Tanzania, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in western Tanzania's region of Rukwa have intensified operations to end illegal fishing in Lake Tanganyika, the world's second deepest lake.
Zelote Stephen, Rukwa Regional Commissioner, said on Friday that the ongoing crackdown on illegal fishing is among measures to protect remaining species in the lake.
This crackdown seriously started in June this year and came after realizing that there was an impending extinction of fish species, said the official.
He said a three-month-long crackdown operation is undergoing on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, during which tonnes of immature fish and illegal fishing gear were seized and destroyed.
"A number of people have been arrested and prosecuted on suspicion of taking part in the illegal activity since we started the operation," Stephen said.
He expressed his discontentment over the colossal destruction of fish breeding grounds due to illegal fishing, warning: "if not addressed, it will completely wipe out key fish species available in the lake."
"Illegal fishing is a very serious war, that needs more efforts from different stakeholders as government alone cannot win," the official said, calling for different partners to support the East African nation's efforts to address the menace. Enditem
