Uíge - Last year, the province of Uíge recorded a decrease in the amount of fish caught in several rivers and lakes, due to the lack of artisanal fishing tools and other support for the development of this activity in the region.

In 2024, fishermen in Uíge province caught 15,720 tons of fish, compared to the 30,000 and 40,000 tons caught in previous years, the head of the Uíge Fisheries Department, José Kupessa, told ANGOP on Wednesday.

He said that fishermen are struggling with the lack of artisanal fishing equipment, namely nets, hooks, buoys, boats, among other means to increase catches.

He added that as part of the poverty reduction program, municipal governments have stopped supporting artisanal fishing in recent years, a situation that has contributed to the decline in catches.

José Kupessa explained that artisanal fishing is mainly carried out in the municipalities of Ambuila, Bembe, Quimbele, Milunga, Maquela do Zombo, Damba, Sanza-Pombo, Cangola, Songo, Púri, Negage and Dange Queitexe.

The province of Uíge has a total of 47 fishermen's associations with a total of 1,361 members. NM/JAR/DAN/AMP