The Government of Tanzania has received 11 boats worth TZS 539.834 million to strengthen efforts to combat illegal fishing in the Lake Tanganyika zone.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony held recently in Kigoma Region, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Kigoma Regional Administrative Secretary Hassan Rugwa stated that the boats will enhance the participation of local fishing communities in the protection and sustainable management of fisheries resources.

He explained that the boats were handed over to the Government through the Fish4ACP project, which was funded by the European Union (EU) and the German government and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the region.

"The results we are witnessing are a continuation of the Government’s efforts under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan to promote economic diplomacy by strengthening international cooperation and partnerships for development—aimed at improving citizens’ income, enhancing food security, and driving community and national economic growth," said Rugwa.

Rugwa further noted that the boats will be distributed through a special arrangement to Beach Management Units (BMUs) in various areas: Kibirizi (Kigoma Municipality), Kagunga, Mtanga (Kigoma Rural), Mwakizega, Kabeba (Uvinza), Utinta, Kabwe (Nkasi), Samazi, Kipwa, Kasanga (Kalambo), and to the Fisheries Resources Protection Centre (FRP) in Kigoma.

He expressed the Government’s gratitude to FAO through the FISH4ACP project, the EU, and Germany for their support in providing the boats.

Director of Fisheries in the Ministry, Professor Mohamed Sheikh, noted that the fisheries sector in the country is currently performing well, and that the Government continues to boost trade in fishery products both domestically and internationally.

Prof. Sheikh emphasized that the Ministry remains committed to ensuring fisheries resources are well-managed for the benefit of the nation and its people.

He added that the Ministry is actively enhancing the protection of fish breeding and nursery areas in both Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria by installing buoys to regulate fishing activities and prevent environmental degradation.

To further combat illegal fishing, he said, the Ministry has adopted modern technology, including the acquisition of drones to improve monitoring systems for fishing vessels and activities.

Additionally, the Government has provided 68 patrol boats, 20 vehicles, and 13 motorcycles to fisheries protection centers to help curb illegal fishing and safeguard breeding grounds.

He urged fishermen to refrain from destructive practices and to cooperate in efforts to eliminate illegal fishing across the country.

Meanwhile, FISH4ACP Coordinator Hashim Muumin, speaking on behalf of the FAO Country Representative, stated that the boats will strengthen community-based fisheries protection and support the implementation of the National Fisheries Master Plan and the Voluntary Guidelines for Small-Scale Fisheries Management.

Muumin noted that the initiative builds on last year's training of these community-based protection groups and aims to equip them with the necessary tools to take part in fisheries resource protection and management.