The annual Lamu Fishing Competition has exposed the dwindling stocks in the ocean as this year's catch was half of last year's.
The competition, held on Saturday, recorded the lowest tonnage of fish caught in the Indian Ocean within 24 hours of the competition. A total of 1.5 tonnes of fish were caught.
More than five tonnes of fish were caught in the 2022 competition and more than three tonnes in 2023.
The heaviest fish caught this year was a bluefish weighing 36.68 kilogrammes. In previous years, the heaviest fish caught was between 70 and 90 kilogrammes.
The 2022 Lamu Fishing Competition broke the county record for the biggest and heaviest fish caught since the challenge was introduced in 2014. The fish, a yellowfin tuna, weighed 90.6kg.
Speaking shortly after the completion of the challenge on Saturday, many fishermen complained about the unusually rough tides and invisible water in the Indian Ocean that have been experienced in recent times.
Haroon Mohamed, captain of the Suraj 1 boat, whose crew caught the heaviest fish in this year's competition, said the rough ocean, along with strong tides and waves, hampered their efforts.
“We were challenged by the rough ocean and strong tidal waves. This made it impossible for us to fish while using our artisanal vessel. But we are proud to be the winners,” said Mr Mohamed.
Lamu County Fisheries and Blue Economy Executive Faiz Fankupi (right) display fish caught during this year's Lamu Fishing competition held in Lamu Island on November 30, 2024.
Photo credit: Kalume Kazungu | Nation
Yusuf Bwanaimi, the captain of the Fabir Shanga Boat, said their fishing nets ended up getting stuck, destroyed or even catching sediments and debris.
“Nowadays, the ocean water in Lamu is rougher and in some sections, particularly those bordering the Lamu Port, the water is cloudy and dirty. This wasn’t the case when dredging hadn’t taken place in Lamu,” said Mr Bwanaimi.
Lamu Governor Issa Timamy said the competition was the best platform for our local fishermen to showcase their skills.
There are over 7,000 fishermen in the Lamu Archipelago.
“I am happy to preside over the 2024 fishing contest. As you’re aware, this particular annual fishing challenge always gives our fishermen and other fisheries stakeholders an opportunity to bond,” said Mr Timamy.
Lamu County Fisheries and Blue Economy Director Kamalu Sharif noted that a total of 51 vessels were registered for this year's competition but only 38 managed to participate.
The competition was followed by a fish auction at the KPA Jetty where more than Sh500,000 was collected, before prizes were awarded to the respective participants.
The top winner received Sh150,000, a trophy and an outboard engine 15-horsepower (HP) while the runners-up got Sh100,000. Third place received Sh75,000 while fourth place got Sh50,000.
Fish caught during this year's Lamu Fishing Competition on November 30, 2024.
Photo credit: Kalume Kazungu | Nation
Lamu County Fisheries and Blue Economy Executive Faiz Fankupi said the county government is in the process of expanding the fishing industry by equipping the local fishermen with modern fishing tools and providing training.
“My department is committed to empowering fishermen with modern fishing gear and engines. We still encourage our fishermen to look for quality fish that are mature instead of catching young fish. Our target is to move from subsistence to large-scale fishing for commercial purposes,” he said.
In an interview with the Nation , Fuad Sheyumbe, the chairperson of the Lamu County Fisheries Development Agency, said the county's fishing sector has seen a sharp rise in bait and fuel costs.
“Water currents have been strong in recent times. The situation poses adverse effects to fishing activities, especially for longliners. I, therefore, call for the government and well-wishers to come in and support the industry," he said, adding that the high cost of fuel had pushed some fishermen into debt.
