Kampala — INCREASED demand for fish, abusive exploitation of the lake and eutrofication have caused scarcity, making the prices skyrocket.

Eutrofication is excessive mineral enrichment of rivers, lakes and their surroundings primarily with sewage, nitrates and phosphates from fertilisers used in agriculture.

In Kampala's market, a sizeable tilapia (recommended size) costs between sh8,000 and sh12,000 from sh4,000 the previous months.

Nile perch goes for between sh6,000 and sh8,000 per kilogramme, while bagrus (Semutundu) and catfish (Emale) are sold between sh10,000 and sh20,000 for a reasonable size. Catfish and bagrus, which had become extinct, have resurfaced.

Dick Nyeko, the commissioner for fisheries, said: "The enormous demand for fish on the international, local and regional markets and the explosive population around the lakes has put a lot of pressure on the lakes. Immature or indiscriminate fishing also tampers with the regeneration of stocks."

"The lakes have been exploited in an abusive manner, which can lead to depletion of stocks if not checked. The breeding has been severely affected by the drop in water levels and increased human action at the lakes' hot spots."

Fred Mukisa, the state minister for fisheries, said the Government was considering whether to close some lakes to allow the regeneration of fish. Lake George may be closed if researchers suggest.

"If it is scientifically proven that the lake has been over-exploited, we will close it for between 120 and 360 days. We will ban fishing and patrol the lake to make sure that no boat leaves the landing site," Mukisa said in a telephone interview.

Nyeko said: "Ugandans must grow fish if they are to eat fish. The prices will never go down, they will only escalate."

ANOVA, the leading importer of Uganda's fish and fisheries products, has stopped importing tilapia due to the high prices. The Dutch firm is now getting fish from Asia.