Togo: Fishing at Lake Nangbéto Officially Resumes

Public Management

Tuesday, 19 November 2024 15:59

Togo: Fishing at Lake Nangbéto Officially Resumes

(Togo First) - After a three-month suspension to preserve fishery resources, fishing at Lake Nangbéto has officially resumed. Fishery Minister, Yark Damehame, announced the news on November 15.

The official, however, indicated that the resumption comes with strict restrictions, including interdiction to use certain fishing techniques and equipment deemed destructive. These include gill nets or hawks nets with mesh sizes smaller than two and a half fingers, shore stages, pots with mesh sizes less than three fingers, and devices such as bamboo.

Additionally, practices like barré-barré, unbaited longlining, and the use of toxic products are strictly banned. These measures aim to limit fishing's negative impact on the Lake's resources and promote their long-term regeneration.

Minister Damehame also emphasized that fishermen need a permit issued by the Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture to fish on the Lake. This regulatory system is designed to provide a better framework for fishing activities and ensure compliance with standards to protect the ecosystem.

The fishing sector is vital to the Togolese economy, directly employing over 22,000 people and accounting for about 4.5% of gross domestic product (GDP), according to official data.

Esaïe Edoh

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