Buliisa — Trapping of silver minnow (Mukene) on Lake Albert has been suspended to avoid extinction of other fish species, the Minister of State for Fisheries has said.

Announcing the directive on December 14 during a visit to the fishing community, Fred Mukisa said: "We have suspended fishing of Mukene until a proper fishing method is adopted."

The Ministers directive was prompted by a study which revealed that methods used in trapping Mukene were responsible for the decline of Tilapia and Nile Perch populations on Lake Albert. Mukene became big business in the area after market for the species was identified in Kampala and Arua where it is used as an ingredient in the manufacture of animal feeds. A Kilogramme of Mukene goes for Shs800.

According to the Executive Director of Uganda Fisheries and Fish Conservation Association (UFFCA) Seremos Kamuturaki said the move has temporarily driven more than 5, 000 fishermen out of the business. But he urged fishermen to stay calm as the government looks for a solution.