A kilogram of ndagala fish is currently selling for 160,000 FBu at the Rumonge market in Burundi, a significant increase driven by the fish's scarcity in recent months. Ndagala fish has become rare over the last three months, contributing to the rising prices for consumers in the region and noting a growing crisis in the local fishing industry.
Soaring Prices and Scarcity
This marks the inaugural instance where one kilogram of fish has attained such a price point in the Rumonge market. The cost of ndagala fish currently fluctuates between 140,000 and 160,000 FBu, with variations based on its quality. This dramatic price hike is directly linked to the diminishing availability of this once-abundant local delicacy. As local supply diminishes, consumers often turn to Mwanza fish as an alternative. Mwanza fish, commonly consumed as an alternative, is caught in Lake Victoria in the Mwanza province of the United Republic of Tanzania. However, Mwanza fish is generally regarded as being of lower quality compared to the ndagala fish sourced from Burundi, which further exacerbates the challenges faced by local consumers accustomed to the superior taste and texture of the native species. The scarcity of ndagala fish has thus created a dual problem of increased cost and compromised quality for the staple food source.
Illegal Methods Undermine Quality and Ecosystem
Illegal fishing practices are openly conducted, with some authorities allegedly accepting bribes, according to fishermen. These activities negatively affect Lake Tanganyika's biodiversity. Fishermen report that "illegal fishing continues to be practiced in plain sight of certain authorities who should act quickly to put an end to it." Some fishermen utilize magnetized gillnets that capture a wide array of fish species, including juvenile fish, thereby disrupting the reproductive cycles and overall population health of the lake's aquatic life. These indiscriminate methods contribute significantly to the rapid decline in fish stocks, including the prized ndagala. Local fishermen also claim that "some authorities would receive bribes to turn a blind eye to this illegal fishing," creating an environment where illicit activities thrive without consequence. Fish caught using these illicit methods typically lose their quality within three to four hours due to improper handling and storage, making them less desirable and potentially unsafe for consumption. Consumption of fish harvested through such illegal means can lead to food poisoning, posing a serious public health risk to the community. The long-term impact of these practices on Lake Tanganyika's delicate ecosystem is a major concern, threatening the sustainability of fishing livelihoods and the natural environment.
Enforcement Efforts and Calls for Action
Honest fishermen are calling on authorities to mobilize against illegal fishing before the situation deteriorates further. For them, combating illegal fishing should be a priority for the four countries sharing Lake Tanganyika, to ensure effective action against prohibited equipment and for the protection of the aquatic environment, according to honest fishermen. They request authorities to mobilize to combat the phenomenon before it's too late, emphasizing the urgent need for a coordinated and strong response. Obède Ntineshwa, head of the Burundian Office for Environmental Protection (OBPE) in Burunga province, stated that dozens of prohibited nets seized will soon be burned in the presence of fishermen, the public, fish traders, and the press. This public burning aims to raise community awareness for the fight, Ntineshwa added, hoping to deter future illegal activities and encourage community participation in conservation efforts. An operation to seize prohibited nets is being conducted jointly by OBPE, the civil protection police, territorial administration, military, and Burundian marine police, demonstrating a multi-agency approach to tackling the problem. People contacted in Rumonge are also requesting the closure of shops in Bujumbura that sell gillnets, arguing that cutting off the supply chain for illegal fishing gear is key for effective enforcement.