Fishermen in Tana River County are up in arms against the local government's decision to impose a levy of Sh450 per kilogram on lobsters and other crustaceans. This new charge, which is to be paid upon landing at the Kipini site, has sparked outrage among the fishing community, who argue that it is exorbitant compared to the Sh10 per kilogram charged in the neighboring Lamu County. The fishermen fear that these high levies will drive their customers away to Lamu, thereby threatening their livelihoods and depriving Tana River County of its rightful revenue.
The issue was a focal point during a recent public meeting held at Kipini township, where fishermen and local residents engaged in discussions with the area Senator, Danson Buya Mungatana. The fishermen appealed to the senator to intervene and advocate for a review of the current levy charges, which they described as unattainable and detrimental to their businesses. "These negative revenue collection measures need urgent review if the county government cares about its people who voted it to office last year," said one of the affected fishermen, highlighting the community's frustration and sense of betrayal.
Senator Mungatana assured the fishermen that he would address their concerns with the county administration in a bid to find a fair and sustainable solution. His involvement is seen as a critical step towards resolving the conflict and ensuring that the fishermen's grievances are heard and acted upon.
In addition to the levy issue, the fishermen are also grappling with a significant decline in the population of jumbo prawns within the Kipini Beach Management Unit Ecosystem. The decline, attributed to the activities of illegal fishermen, has seen weekly prawn harvests drop from over 800 kilograms to just 400 kilograms. Trawler fishermen are reportedly operating beyond their authorized permits, causing destruction to the habitat in Ungwana Bay, a known breeding ground for rare fish species. This illegal fishing not only threatens the marine ecosystem but also exacerbates the economic challenges faced by the local fishing community.
The situation in Tana River County underscores the need for balanced policies that support local economies while ensuring sustainable environmental practices. As the fishermen await intervention from their leaders, the call for equitable and just revenue measures remains urgent.
