In an effort to curb illegal fishing techniques in the State, Bayelsa House of Assembly has passed a-one point resolution calling on relevant authorities to amend existing laws to protect the coastal frontiers from pirates and illegal fishermen.
The resolution followed a motion moved by lawmaker representing Brass constituency one, Dr. Daniel Charles on the ‘need to curb Menace of Illegal Fishing Techniques in the State’.
He said Bayelsa is an agrarian and fishing coastal state that produces about eighty percent of the fish in Nigeria to help more than twenty four million Nigerians.
Dr. Charles explained that despite the economic potentials, the livelihood of the people, physical environment and coral reef have been threatened with the use of dynamite which is an illegal fishing technique.
Dr. Charles, who expressed worry over the influx of illegal fishermen to Twon Brass from other States, urged that steps be taken to discourage people vulnerable to criminal networks and other vices.
Also in support of the motion, Chief Mitema Obordor, Mrs. Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai, Dr. Tonye Isenah and Mr. Oforji Oboku said the livelihood of the people which is fishing and farming are under attack from migrants and the need for the House to enact laws to stem the tide.
They condemned the use of chemicals in fishing which is creating serious health hazard through the consumption of contaminated fishes.
Similarly, Retired Cornel Bernard Kenebai, Mr. Salo Adikumo, Mr. Tare Porri and Mr. Ayonatiminyo Omubo emphasized the need for the people to return to the traditional occupation of fishing to sensitize traditional rulers to track visitors’ activities in their domain.
The lawmakers also urged government to establish a Coast Guard to protect the people as they go about doing their legitimate businesses especially in the coastal areas.

News Story by: Imelda Abidde