Reduce Punitive Revenue Charges For Crustaceans, Mungatana

By Mwakwaya Raymond
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Fishermen of lobsters and other crustaceans have rejected levy charges of Sh450 per kilogram being imposed by Tana River County government.

The County wants fishermen to pay the amount once they land at Kipini site from their fishing exploits.

This is in total contrast to what their colleagues pay at the neighboring Lamu County where on landing at sites they only part away with Sh10 per kilogram.

The Tana fishermen are worried the new levies will drive their customers to Lamu, thus, denying them not only their livelihoods but also the rightful revenue for the County.

In a recent public meeting at Kipini township, the fishermen and residents held talks with the area Senator Danson Buya Mungatana to discuss various issues afflicting them.

***One of the Lobster Fishermen in Kipini (Photo/Courtesy)***

They asked the senator to intervene and help them review the current charges saying they are 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 hard-hit fishermen.

The senator pledged to follow up the issues with the sitting County administration to find an amicable solution to the pending problem.

***Some of the illegal vessel in Kipini (Photo/ Courtesy)***

Meanwhile the population of jumbo prawns within Kipini Beach Management Unit Ecosystem has drastically declined due to the influx of illegal fishermen.

Currently only 400kg of prawns is being harvested every week unlike before where fishermen could carry home over 800kg.

Trawler fishermen are said to be fishing beyond their authorized permit and destroying the habitat.

Ship have stretched their gadgets in Ungwana Bay, mainly known as a breeding area for rare fish species.