ZANZIBAR authorities are working on robust measures to curb illegal fishing especially at Chwaka Bay.

Shabaan Ali Othman, the Blue Economy and Fisheries minister, made this observation at an inter-ministerial meeting bringing together the ministry along with the defence and security committee of Unguja South Region.

It also involved local residents and fishermen working around the Chwaka Bay area, where the minister said that fishermen at the bay use small nets which are prohibited and impact negatively on fish reproduction.

The meeting was convened to listen to the stakeholders’ challenges and provide solutions, whereupon the ministry set out plans to build large fishing boats with lengths of eight metres.

The reason is to enable the fishermen to reach deeper waters within the Chwaka Bay now largely out of reach, he said, noting that this measure will help the designated conservation area stock more fish instead of being thinned out as at present.

The ministry will distribute legally permitted and quality nets for use as nets being used now often infringe extant environmental regulations, he declared, affirming that the government was ready to listen to the fishermen on the challenges they face.

Their views will be taken into account in designing procedures meant to promote sustainable fishing and eliminate illegal fishing in the vital fish conservation area, he stated.

Ayoub Mohammed Mahmoud, the Unguja South regional commissioner, said that an ongoing crackdown pitting fishermen with fishing sector supervisors isn’t an ideal situation and poses a safety risk.

“Therefore, the fishermen should comprehend and support the government’s proposals to find a swift solution,” he said, with most fishermen at Chwaka Bay welcoming the government’s initiatives.

They requested that the ministry conduct thorough surveys on the sustainable use of marine resources at the area, with Juma Khamis, a fisherman saying the corrective measure will be helpful in realising policy objectives on the sector while addressing current challenges that fishermen are facing.