GOVERNMENT has reiterated its commitment to being part of the sustainable management of Lake Tanganyika.

Mpulungu District Commissioner Gehard Sikazwe says this is meant to promote sustainable production of aquatic foods that will contribute to food security, nutrition, and poverty reduction of communities surrounding Lake Tanganyika.

ZANIS reports that Mr, Sikazwe was speaking during the consultative workshop for the Lake Tanganyika Authority’s revised aquaculture protocol held over the weekend.

“The development of the protocol is an important milestone in Lake Tanganyika Authority member states’ journey to realising sustainable fish production in Lake Tanganyika and its basin, ” he said.

The  sustainable aquaculture production is an important answer to the dwindling fish landings from Lake Tanganyika.

And  Northern Province Fisheries and Livestock Coordinator Gethings Chisule called on the fishing community to be vigilant of the fishing industry.

Mr Chisule explained that in a bid to grow the aquaculture sector, some big fish farmers will be bringing a lot of different fish species, which can pollute the lake.

He said some of the fish that might be brought might be dangerous and eat the indigenous fish and fail to reproduce, thereby causing more harm to Lake Tanganyika.

Mr Chisule said it is important for the fishing communities to pay attention and work on the draft so that as it comes back as a protocol, it will be able to guide and help the community.

And Mpulungu Town Council Secretary Milton Sakala called on the officers implementing the works to ensure they consider the views of the community.

Mr Sakala said the officers need to look at what has been working well for the community and support it and identify areas that need improvement.