Photos’ Credit: Stella Nabayunga Walugembe (Uganda)
Review: Stella Nabayunga Walugembe (Uganda) and Abdel Rahman El Gamal (Founder of the website)
The lake shown in the background whether is a part of Lake Victoria, Uganda. The photo shows the burning the confiscated fishing gears which belong to fishing violators. The burning of illegal gears which is the most common type of punishment is performed –in this particular case- by “Kasenyi” Beach Management Unit (BMU). However, other actions could be taken based on the BMU decision. Culprits may be sent to police, charged by fines or sent to court.
The Beach Management Units (BMUs) are legally empowered communities that serve as the foundation of fisheries co-management system that brings together all stakeholders working in fisheries at a given beach within fishing communities including boat owners, traders, processors, and boat builders & repairers as well as the traditionally marginalized communities within fishing communities which are namely women and boat crew.
The implementation of the BMU responsibility on fisheries management is done in partnership with the Central and Local Government Department responsible for fisheries regulations. In addition to enforcing fisheries regulations, BMUs have been also involved in the planning and data collection.
