An analysis of factors contributing to persistent illegal fishing in Kalangala

Abstract

The study analyzed the factors contributing to persistent illegal fishing in Kalangala. The primary data was collected using interview questionnaires.A case study design was conducted and a sample of 90 respondents were interviewed including the fisher folk, fisheries law enforcement personnel, fish traders, councilors and members of Beach Management Units (BMUs). Primary data was entered in excel and analysis was performed using SPSS Version 16.0. This enabled the generation of frequency tables which were used for further analysis. Qualitative data from key informants’ interview guide was stated as captured from the key informants. Results indicated that there are social economic factors that influence the fisher into illegal fishing. Factors like; readily available market for immature fish, fishers’ easy access to illegal fishing gears, Drug abuse, youth unemployment and low household incomes are among the factors in this study that lead Fishers into illegal fishing. In order to curb down on illegal fishing, it’sRecommended that; the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industries and Fisheries should consider creating alternative employment opportunities for youth engaged in fishing, discouraging importation of illegal fishing gears, Initiating programs to boost household incomes for fishers, Initiate a program to fight against drug abuse, disrupting Markets for illegal fishing reducing taxes on legal fishing gears and Sensitization.