Fishermen and women in Bakau have appealed to the Ministry of Fisheries to subsidise fuel, saying rising operational costs are affecting productivity and profitability.

They say support would ease pressure on fishing activities, a key livelihood for many coastal communities.

At the Bakau landing site, fishers also cited inadequate cold storage as a major challenge, noting that limited access to cold rooms leads to post-harvest losses and reduced fish quality.

Responding, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Fisheries assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to addressing the issues.

He said the ministry would work with relevant authorities, including the City Management Committee, to improve conditions.

He also announced plans to provide two fishing boats to support fishers in Bakau.

Meanwhile, fishers in Jeshwang called for additional ice plants and a review of the night fishing closure policy, arguing their landing site operates under unique conditions.

The Permanent Secretary said existing regulations apply across all sites but added that the ministry’s research unit would assess the concerns and advise policymakers.

The consultations form part of ongoing efforts to improve the fisheries sector and address operational challenges in coastal communities.

By Adama Makasuba