Kampala — FISHERIES officials on the Lake Victoria islands in Mukono district have started an operation against unauthorised fishing methods.

The officials, who included leaders of the Beach Management Units (BMU) and fishermen, on Saturday launched the operation, in which at least seven people were arrested for using illegal fishing gear.

The team, commanded by Lawrence Nabai, impounded 18 boats, under-sized fishnets and fish, valued at over sh18m during the one-day exercise carried out on Lubya, Namiti, Kirewe, Lwamusenyi, Labour, Lufu, Yuwe and Nambaga islands.

However, the operation leaders, who were joined by the Police from Buvuma, met stiff resistance from perpetrators of the crime, who stoned them while others tried to hit them with arrows.

Kawere Musana, the BMU chairman of Nairambi sub-county in Buvuma, said the most notorious group were the Karimojong, who hide in caves on the islands.

He said they also use knives, machetes and spears to fight those opposed to the use of illegal fishing methods.

"We request the Government, through the fisheries ministry, to send us Police personnel from the marines department because we are dealing with a dangerous group," Richard Bwire, the chairperson of the operation, told journalists.

Bwire said anyone caught in illegal fishing activities would be blacklisted and barred from engaging in fishing on the lake.