Kampala — THE Council of Ministers of the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation has passed a resolution to curb illegal fishing and trade in immature Nile Perch in local and regional markets.

The ministers from Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, who met in Nairobi on Saturday, agreed to contribute up to $600,000 (about sh1.1b) to fight the illegalities in the sector by January.

Speaking at the meeting, the chairman of the council, Hope Mwesigye, said although the council had approved several decisions, documents and guidelines on the management of Lake Victoria resources, there was need to devise ways of implementing the decisions.

Mwesigye, who is also agriculture, animal industry and fisheries minister, said stopping illegal fishing and trade should be tackled immediately.

She added that as the global warming issues are addressed, experts should also establish ways to ensure the increase of fish stock in Lake Victoria.

Kenya fisheries development minister Paul Otuoma said the decline in the population of Nile Perch in Lake Victoria needed joint action and commitment from all partner states.

He added that although the partner states had stepped up grassroots activities in stamping out illegal fishing, there was still need to enhance the activities.

"The population of Nile Perch has reduced from 1.2 million metric tonnes in 2000 to 310 million tonnes," the minister said, adding that this carries social and economic implications.

Otuoma said member states needed to contribute money to change the management of the lake.

"We should not rely on assistance from the development partners. We need to source for funds from our own state budgets to ensure that we are able to manage Lake Victoria," he said.