Mozambican fishers compete for catch with trawlers

The fishing community in Mozambique's southern Gaza province say they are worried about the presence of foreign trawlers carrying out illegal fishing in the area.

They expressed fears to the Fisheries Minister Lídia Cardoso of dwindling catches as a result of the presence of the trawlers whose origins are unknown.

Ms Cardoso acknowledged that the country was unable to effectively inspect fishing activities on its waters.

She met the fishermen on Wednesday in the city of Xai-Xai during a working visit.

The minister said there were plans to integrate the country into the regional bloc's (Sadc) surveillance system, which will make it possible to combat illegal fishing.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: AFP