DEPUTY Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Alexander Mnyeti has proposed that authorities and fishing stakeholders consider temporarily closing of Lake Victoria to aid in the restoration of its aquatic ecosystems.

This recommendation was made during the East Africa Biodiversity Conference this week, amid growing concerns over the decline of various aquatic species in the lake.

Mnyeti said that decades of fishing activities have led to the gradual disappearance of several species, particularly non-cultured marine species. 

“We are losing significant numbers of non-cultured marine species. It might be beneficial to temporarily close the lake to restore its natural balance,” he said.

The deputy minister called on all stakeholders, from grassroots to top decision-makers, to engage in discussions about the proposed closure and determine an appropriate duration for the lake’s rest period.

He referenced a similar successful approach taken with Lake Tanganyika, where a three-month closure resulted in significant fish breeding.

Mnyeti expressed optimism that Lake Victoria could see similar positive outcomes if given a rest period. 

In addition to the temporary closure, he outlined plans for the government to enhance public education on sustainable fishing practices and promote fish farming as a more reliable and productive alternative to traditional fishing.

Fatuma Katula, Secretary for the Tanzania Women Fish Processers Network, supported the proposal, noting that a temporary closure could boost marine species reproduction and ultimately benefit businesses. 

However, she emphasized the need for government support for small traders affected by the fishing halt. 

She urged the government to facilitate access to financial institutions offering soft loans to help traders transition to alternative income-generating activities.

Katula also proposed using the local governments’ 10 percent loans offered to special groups to expand capital and support businesses until the lake reopens, that is if the proposed closure is endorsed.

Pangani District Fishery Officer Erica Corne also echoed the proposal, emphasizing that the benefits of closing Lake Victoria would extend beyond current generations, aiding in the regular reproduction of marine species. 

Corne supported the expansion of fish farming as a means to further promote species breeding.