Residents of the Kalangala Islands have been cautioned by environmental experts to stop harmful fishing practices and reduce water pollution. These actions are linked to a troubling increase in crocodile sightings along the shores of Lake Victoria.
Experts warn that the lake’s ecosystem is in danger, affecting both animals and local communities. Destructive fishing methods, like dynamite fishing and the use of fine-meshed nets, are harming fish populations and disturbing the natural habitats of many water species.
According to Allan Mutagubya, a local environmentalist, when fish populations decline, crocodiles are pushed closer to the shore in search of food, leading to more encounters with humans.
Mutagubya explained that pollution from farming runoff and waste disposal is significantly harming the water quality in Lake Victoria. This, in turn, affects fish and the overall environment.
“When harmful chemicals and waste enter the lake, it changes the environment and makes it easier for crocodiles to come near human settlements,” he said.
Johnson Thembo from the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), also pointed out that crocodiles are opportunistic feeders. If their feeding grounds are disturbed, they will search for food near human communities. He noted that during the rainy season, rising water levels can cause crocodiles to seek shelter near the shores.
Since 2007, over twenty people, including children, have been killed by crocodiles in the Kalangala Islands. Thembo stressed the importance of stopping harmful fishing practices that threaten both fish supplies and human safety.
Thembo encouraged locals to adopt sustainable fishing methods and to reduce pollution in order to create a safer environment for both residents and wildlife.
This situation highlights how human actions can greatly impact wildlife and natural habitats. It is crucial for communities to recognize their role in protecting the environment and to take steps towards sustainability to address this ongoing issue.
