Rwanda plans to produce 112,000 tonnes of fish annually in the next three years to meet rising domestic demand and wean itself of imports.
Officials expect increased investments in restocking of lakes and rivers, promoting commercial aquaculture and enforcing regulations against illegal fishing to help meet the production targets set under the 2014-2018 strategic plan for agriculture transformation.
The latest industry outlook by Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) shows that there has been a rebound in fish output since 2016. But the country still imports an estimated 15,000-20,000 tonnes of fish every year in order to cater to the rising demand.
Solange Uwituze, the Deputy Director General in charge of Animal Resources Research and Technology Transfer at Rwanda Agricultural and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), says there has been increased investment in preserving and enhancing stocks in water bodies that have been threatened by illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities and climate change.
“Climate change-related challenges and IUU activities are the main reasons for stock depletion in open water bodies,” she says.
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https://www.newtimes.co.rw/business/rwanda-eyes-better-catch-curbing-illegal-fishing