REDUCED FISH CATCH AND SPECIES IN LAKE VICTORIA AS A RESULT OF PLASTIC POLLUTION.

PRODUCER: FELIX OTIENO ADERO

Duraton: 8 minutes, 50 seconds

Background Song: Kisumu 100, by Suzanna Owiyo

Insert 1: Patson Odhiambo – Fisherman Dunga beach Kisumu County

Insert 2: Francisca Awuor – Fish Monger Dunga beach Kisumu county.

Insert 3: Kater Elizabeth – Fish Monger Dunga beach Kisumu Conty

Insert 4: Dr. Collins Ongore – Scientist Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI).

The Lake Victoria for ages has been the main source of income for very many families living around the

lake and beyond. It has been a source of beauty and also acted as a tourist attraction site for years. This

has for the recent past diminished as a result of human activities that directly pollutes the lake.

Lake Victoria is currently chocking with huge chunks of plastic wastes that are directly and indirectly

disposed into the lake oblivious of its effects as they do not get to rot and they are toxic. These, the

fishermen and fishmongers say have greatly affected their businesses as they find it almost impossible

to catch other fish species which were previously available.

Fishermen around the lake explains numerous instances that they have encountered plastic wastes

floating deep inside the lake and how fish can no longer breed freely in their previous breeding spots

and a majority that have suffocated to death as a result of plastic bags.

Scientist Collins Ongore explains on the dangers that face the lake, fish and community as a result these

wastes that are also posing threat to human health.

He further explains on the need to protect the lake and manage toxic wastes that are directed into the

lake.

This feature not only educates but also calls for action by the community in waste management and

environment conservation that will also see to it that the lake is looked after.