Workshop on Abandoned, Lost and Discarded Fishing Gear #ALDFG💧

We successfully held an interactive workshop on ALDFG (ghost gear) one of the silent but serious threats facing the health and productivity of Lake Victoria.The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Bahati Mayoma from Clean Shores, Great Lakes, who provided valuable insights into the causes, impacts, and possible solutions to ghost gear pollution. Participants learned how abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing nets continue to trap aquatic life, damage habitats, and endanger livelihoods long after being lost.

The event was officially opened by the Deputy Regional Administrative Secretary, who emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in protecting our shared natural resources. It was attended by a wide range of stakeholders including BMU members, Fisheries Officers, the Fishers Union, representatives from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, NGOs working in environment and fisheries sectors, Mwalimu Nyerere University of Agriculture and Technology and TAFIRI. During the workshop, there was an open discussion on ALDFG, where participants shared field experiences, proposed practical solutions, and identified areas for joint action to reduce ghost gear in the lake. We reaffirmed our commitment to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Lake Victoria