Governors' committee flags concern on fisheries laws, cites exclusion

Members of the Council of Governors' Blue Economy Committee have voiced concerns over their exclusion from discussions on crucial fisheries management laws.

In a meeting on Wednesday with Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and ministry officials, governors expressed worries about regulations that could undermine county governments' authority and jeopardise sustainable fishing practices.

The discussion centred on the Fisheries Management and Development Acts of 2012 and 2024, as well as the 2024 regulations for Beach Management Units under the same framework.

Governors highlighted their concerns regarding proposed regulations that could weaken county governments' authority and threaten sustainable fishing practices.

Chair of the committee, Issa Timamy, who also serves as Lamu Governor, was joined by Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana, Paul Otuoma of Busia, Fatuma Achani of Kwale, the committee's legal team, and Secretariat members at the CoG's presentation.

The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the legal frameworks, noting the lack of involvement from the Council of Governors in the process.

"The discussion critically focused on comparing the Act with the Regulations of 2022 and 2024, which seemed to diminish the authority of county governments. Notably, it highlighted the decreased involvement of counties in regulating artisanal fishers, the absence of regulations on recreational and sport fishing, the elimination of rights-based fisheries management, and the removal of measures such as TAC and fishing quotas, posing a threat to sustainable fisheries management," Issa said.

Transhipment, potential fishing levy reductions, and the sharing formula for Fish Levy were also discussed.

The committee emphasised the importance of the meeting, stating that it allowed them to articulate their reservations and propose recommendations for consideration.

Environmental concerns, such as seawater encroachment in the Tana Delta, were also addressed, highlighting its ongoing degradation of the ecosystem and the risks it poses to both the livelihoods of Tana residents and potential future environmental issues if left unaddressed.

Recommendations were made, and both sides agreed to further review the issues before presenting any changes to the National Assembly. Plans for a broader interagency meeting were also discussed.

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