National Plan of Action for implementation of the voluntary guidelines for securing sustainable small-scale fisheries in the context of food security and poverty eradication (NPOA-SSF) in Uganda

1 REPUBLIC OF UGANDA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, ANIMAL INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION For Implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (NPOA-SSF) in Uganda August 2023 2 NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION For Implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (NPOA-SSF) in Uganda 2 NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION For Implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (NPOA-SSF) in Uganda 3 Acknowledgements This National Plan of Action for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (NPOA-SSF) in Uganda was prepared through the support of The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). Preparation of the plan was spearheaded by a National Task Force (NTF) of nine members comprising of one representative from each of the following: MAAIF who served as its Chair, FAO), Women Community Service Organisation, A Non-Government Organisation, Lake Management Organization, Small-Scale Fishers and Fish Workers Representative, Representative of research and academia, and a Fisheries Social Worker. It was facilitated by a consultant who served as its technical secretary. The plan was developed through a consultative process that included Small-Scale Fishers and Fish Workers (SSFFW)1 , scientists, managers, NGOs/CBOs, fish traders, and processors. Six stakeholder workshops were held around the five major lakes of Uganda to enable stakeholders identify the interventions to be addressed in the NPOA-SSF. We are grateful to: The FAO for the financial and logistical support, the stakeholders for their inputs, and the NTF comprising Nakato Margaret, Masette Margaret, Bakaki Robert, Bwambale Mbilingi, Kamuturaki Seremos, Gonzaga Felix Maginot, Dheyongera Geoffrey, Olwo Jacob, and Ogutu-Ohwayo Richard. The process also benefitted from consultations with Mbabazi Dismas from the FAO regional office for Africa, as well as Mele Tauati, Ruben Sanchez Daroqui, Nicole Franz, Lena Westlund Lena, Molly Ahern, Valerio Crespi, Ana Suarez Dussan and Daniella Salazar Herrera from the Equitable Livelihoods Team within the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFIFL), FAO Headquarters. For bibliographic purposes this document should be cited as: MAAIF, 2023. National plan of action for implementation of the voluntary guidelines for securing sustainable small-scale fisheries in the context of food security and poverty eradication (NPOA-SSF) in Uganda. Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Republic of Uganda 1 Small-scale Fishers and Fish Workers (SSFFW) refers to persons involved in a “fishing activity” defined in Section 4 of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023. 4 Preface Capture fisheries contribute significantly to the national economy and livelihoods of Ugandans with fish production estimated at 625,000 tons valued at 2 trillion in 2022, placing it next to coffee in agricultural exports earnings. It provides nutritious food to 15 million people and employs 5.3 million Ugandans. All the fisheries are small-scale and all the fish is produced by Small-Scale Fishers and Fish Workers (SSFFW). However, SSFFW are not adequately involved in development and management of the fisheries resources. They are marginalized, sometimes harassed and kept out of decision-making processes. This compromises their commitment and threatens sustainability of the fisheries resources. This National Plan of Action for Securing Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF) applies the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF-Guidelines) that the FAO developed to increase visibility and participation of SSFFW in conservation, sustainable development, and management of fisheries resources. The plan was developed in a participatory manner that involved consultation of representatives of key stakeholders around the five major lakes of Uganda to identify interventions to be implemented in NPOA-SSF and in particular by SSFFW. The plan was designed in such a manner that it addresses key development plans of Uganda including Vision 2040, NDPIII, The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy Strategy and Implementation Plan, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023 and to development Agendas of the EAC, AU and UN. According to the plan, SSFFW will work together with other stakeholders to secure inclusive, competitive, sustainable and profitable small-scale fisheries in Uganda. This will be achieved through: Recognizing human rights and responsibilities, organizing governance systems, managing the fish habitat health, applying lake productivity potential, sustaining and increasing fish production and utilizations, providing enabling support services, and supporting implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and sustainability. The implementation of the NPOA-SSF over a five-year period is expected to cost UGX 407 billion (US$ 110 million). 4 Preface Capture fisheries contribute significantly to the national economy and livelihoods of Ugandans with fish production estimated at 625,000 tons valued at 2 trillion in 2022, placing it next to coffee in agricultural exports earnings. It provides nutritious food to 15 million people and employs 5.3 million Ugandans. All the fisheries are small-scale and all the fish is produced by Small-Scale Fishers and Fish Workers (SSFFW). However, SSFFW are not adequately involved in development and management of the fisheries resources. They are marginalized, sometimes harassed and kept out of decision-making processes. This compromises their commitment and threatens sustainability of the fisheries resources. This National Plan of Action for Securing Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF) applies the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF-Guidelines) that the FAO developed to increase visibility and participation of SSFFW in conservation, sustainable development, and management of fisheries resources. The plan was developed in a participatory manner that involved consultation of representatives of key stakeholders around the five major lakes of Uganda to identify interventions to be implemented in NPOA-SSF and in particular by SSFFW. The plan was designed in such a manner that it addresses key development plans of Uganda including Vision 2040, NDPIII, The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy Strategy and Implementation Plan, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023 and to development Agendas of the EAC, AU and UN. According to the plan, SSFFW will work together with other stakeholders to secure inclusive, competitive, sustainable and profitable small-scale fisheries in Uganda. This will be achieved through: Recognizing human rights and responsibilities, organizing governance systems, managing the fish habitat health, applying lake productivity potential, sustaining and increasing fish production and utilizations, providing enabling support services, and supporting implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and sustainability. The implementation of the NPOA-SSF over a five-year period is expected to cost UGX 407 billion (US$ 110 million). 5 Table of Contents 05 List of Tables 07 List of Figures 08 Acronyms 08 Executive summary 11 1.0 Background and rationale 12 1.1 Importance of small-scale fisheries in the Ugandan economy 12 1.2 Rationale and requirements of SSF-Guidelines 12 1.3 Purpose of the NPOA-SSF 13 1.4 Objectives of SSF-Guidelines 13 1.5 Requirements of SSF-Guidelines 13 1.6 Human rights principles 14 1.7 Strategic and thematic areas of SSF-Guidelines 14 2.0 Process of developing NPOA-SSF 15 2.1 Key steps in development of the NPOA-SSF 15 2.1.1 Formation of the National Task Force (NTF) 15 2.1.2 Defining strategic and thematic areas 15 2.1.3 The stakeholders consulted 17 2.1.4 Stakeholder workshops 18 2.2 Conceptual framework 18 2.3 Vision, goal, mission and objectives 19 3.0 Identification of interventions 20 3.1 Strategic objective I: Recognizing human rights and responsibilities 20 3.2 Strategic objective II: Organizing governance systems 22 3.2.1 Organising tenure 22 3.2.2 Organising stakeholders 24 3.2.3 Promoting cultural norms 24 3.2.4 Establishing a co-management system 24 3.2.5 Promoting associations 25 3.3 Strategic objective III: Promoting socio-economic development 25 3.3.1 Poverty reduction 25 3.3.2 Improving socio-economic services 25 3.3.3 Addressing common diseases among fishers - HIV/AIDs, bilharzia and malaria 26 3.3.4 Promoting gender equality 26 3.3.5 Integrating blue economy investments 27 3.4 Strategic area IV: Managing the fish habitat health 27 3.4.1 Managing impacts of land use change 27 3.4.2 Managing pollutants 28 3.4.3 Controlling invasive weeds 28 3.5 Strategic objective V: Applying lake productivity potential 28 3.5.1 Applying knowledge of physical, chemical and biological conditions and food- webs 28 Table of Contents 6 3.5.2 Promoting culture-based fisheries 29 3.5.4 Addressing impacts of climate variability and change 29 3.5.5 Conserving aquatic biodiversity 30 3.6 Strategic objective VI: Sustaining and increasing fish production and increasing utilization 30 3.6.1 Sustaining and increasing fish production of individual lakes 30 3.6.2 Sustaining and increasing production of individual commercial species 32 3.6.2.1 Managing the fishery of small pelagic species (SPS) 34 3.6.2.2 Managing the Mputa fishery 34 3.6.2.3 Managing the Ngege fishery 35 3.6.2.4 Managing the fishery of other commercially fish important species 35 3.6.3 Regulating fishing capacity 35 3.6.4 Combating Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing 36 3.6.5 Reducing post-harvest fish losses, adding value and utilization 37 3.6.6 Improving trade and market systems 37 3.7 Strategic objective VII: Providing enabling supportive services 37 3.7.1 Providing information, knowledge and skills 38 3.7.2 Providing appropriate policies, laws and regulations 38 3.7.3 Providing capacity 38 3.7.3.1 Providing institutional capacity 38 3.7.3.2 Providing infrastructure and inputs 39 3.7.3.3 Providing human resources 39 3.7.3.4 Developing sustainable funding mechanisms 39 3.8 Strategic objective VIII: Implementation 40 3.8.1 Establishing implementation mechanisms 40 3.8.2 Establishing a monitoring and evaluation system 40 3.8.3 Providing for sustainability 40 4.0 Implementation mechanisms 41 4.1 Implementation 41 4.2 Monitoring and evaluation 41 4.3 Implementation matrix for the interventions. 42 4.4 Monitoring and evaluation 60 5.0 The Budget 67 6.0 References 68 7.0 Annexes 71 7.1 Annex I. The Logical framework 71 7.2 Annex II. A summary of some policies and legal instruments applicable to fisheries 73 7.3 Annex III. Prioritization of proposed interventions 74 7 List of Tables Table 1 Consolidated list of strategic and thematic areas 16 Table 2 The stakeholders consulted around the six major fish production systems between December 2022 and June 2023 17 Table 3 Matrix for recording the issues and interventions and their ranking 18 Table 4 Percentage contribution of individual fish taxa to commercial catches from major lakes based on the most up-to-date catch assessment survey (CAS) data for each lake 32 Table 5 The changes in fishing capacity (number of boats on major lakes in Uganda) 36 Table 6 The number of illegal fishing gear on the Ugandan side of Lake Victoria between 2004 and 2016 36 Table 7 Strategic objective I. Recognising human rights and responsibilities 42 Table 8 Strategic objective II. Organising governance systems 43 Table 9 Strategic objective III. Promoting socio-economic development 45 Table 10 Strategic objective IV: Managing the fish habitat health 47 Table 11 Strategic objective V: Applying lake productivity potential 48 Table 12. Strategic objective VI: Sustaining and increasing fish production, value and utilization 50 Table 13 Strategic objective VII: Providing enabling support services 54 Table 14 Strategic objective VIII: Support to implementation, monitoring and evaluation 58 Table 15 Strategic objective II. Organising governance systems 60 Table 16 Strategic objective III: Promoting socio-economic development 60 Table 17 Strategic objective IV: Managing the fish habit health 61 Table 18 Strategic objective V: Applying lake productivity potential 61 Table 19 Strategic objective VI: Sustaining and increasing fish production and utilization 62 Table 20 Strategic objective VII. Providing enabling support services 64 Table 21 Strategic objective VIII: Supporting implementation, monitoring, evaluation and sustainability 66 Table 22. The budget 67 8 List of Figures Figure 1 Sessions of stakeholder consultations (a) the Task Force meeting the day before the stakeholder consultative workshop, (b) Working group discussions during the workshop, and (c), Working group presentations during the plenary. Photographs by the NTF. 17 Figure 2 The strategic areas addressed 19 Figure 3 The major small-scale fisheries production systems of Uganda 23 Figure 4 Contribution of major water bodies to commercial fish catches in Uganda between 1961 and 2022 31 Figure 5 Changes in commercial catches of major fish production systems in Uganda 1961- 2018 (Data from DFR, Uganda) 31 Figure 6 Trends in commercial catches of major commercial species in Lake Victoria between 1960 and 2020 33 8 List of Figures Figure 1 Sessions of stakeholder consultations (a) the Task Force meeting the day before the stakeholder consultative workshop, (b) Working group discussions during the workshop, and (c), Working group presentations during the plenary. Photographs by the NTF. 17 Figure 2 The strategic areas addressed 19 Figure 3 The major small-scale fisheries production systems of Uganda 23 Figure 4 Contribution of major water bodies to commercial fish catches in Uganda between 1961 and 2022 31 Figure 5 Changes in commercial catches of major fish production systems in Uganda 1961- 2018 (Data from DFR, Uganda) 31 Figure 6 Trends in commercial catches of major commercial species in Lake Victoria between 1960 and 2020 33 9 Acronyms ASSP Agricultural Sector Strategic Plan AU African Union AU-NEPAD African Union - New Partnership for Africa’s Development AU-IBAR African Union – Inter-Africa Bureau for Animal Resources BMU Beach Management Unit CAS Catch Assessment Survey CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CBO Community Based Organisation CCRF Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women COFI Committee on Fisheries DRC Democratic Republic of Congo DFR Directorate of Fisheries Resources DWRM Directorate of Water Resources Management EAC East African Community ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment FAO Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations FPU Fisheries Protection Unit FTI Fisheries Training Institute GDP Gross Domestic Product HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome IBAR Intergovernmental Bureau for Animal Resources IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature IUU Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated Fishing LG Local Government LEAFAO Lake Edward and Albert Fisheries and Aquaculture Organization LMO Lake Management Organisations LVFO Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation MAAIF Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries MCS Monitoring Control and Surveillance MDA Ministries Departments and Agencies MoPED Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development M&E Monitoring and Evaluation MWE Ministry of Water and Environment NAFIRRI National Fisheries Resources Research Institute NDPIII National Development Plan III NELSAP Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program NEMA National Environmental Management Authority NEPAD New Partnership for African Development NGO Non-Government Organisations NPOA National Plan of Action 10 NTF National Task Force PDM Parish Development Model RFMO Regional Fisheries Management Organisation SDG Sustainable Development Goal SOP Standard Operating Procedure SSF Small-Scale Fisheries SSFFW Small-scale Fishers and Fish Workers SPS Small Pelagic Species UBOS Uganda Bureau of Statistics UFPEA Uganda Fish Processors and Exporters Association; UGX Uganda shillings UN United Nations WTO World Trade Organization 11 Executive Summary Capture fisheries are very important in the Ugandan economy and contributed 625,000 tons of fish valued at UGX 2 trillion in 2022 which is next to coffee in agricultural export earnings. It provides nutritious food to 15 million and employs 5.3 million Ugandans. All fisheries in Uganda are small-scale and all the fish is produced by Small-scale Fishers and Fish Workers (SSFFW). However, SSFFW are not adequately involved in development and management of the fisheries resources. They are marginalized, sometimes harassed and kept out of decision-making processes. This compromises their commitment and threatens sustainability of the fisheries resources. The Uganda national plan of action for securing sustainable small-scale fisheries (NPOA-SSF) applies Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF- Guidelines) developed by the FAO and other international instruments to increase visibility and participation of SSFFW in conservation and development of fisheries resources. The plan was developed through consultation of stakeholders around the five major lakes of Uganda to identify interventions to be implemented. It is designed in such a manner that it addresses capture fisheries aspects of key development plans of Uganda including Vision 2040, NDPIII, The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy Strategy and Implementation Plan, and The Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023. The NPOA-SSF will enable SSFFW to work with other stakeholders to secure inclusive, competitive, sustainable and profitable small-scale fisheries by identifying and implementing interventions to address human rights principles and thematic areas derived from SSF-Guidelines namely: (1) Recognizing human rights and responsibilities, (2) Organizing governance systems, (3) Promoting socio-economic development, (4) Managing the fish habitat health, (5) Applying lake productivity potential, (6) Sustaining and increasing fish production, (7) Providing enabling support services, and (8) Supporting implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and sustainability. 1. Human rights and responsibilities will be recognized by upholding human rights principles namely: Human rights and dignity; Respect for culture; Non-discrimination; Gender equality; Equity and equality; Consultation and participation; Rule of law; Transparency; Accountability; Economic, social, environmental and resource sustainability; Holistic and integrated approaches; Social responsibility, and; Social and economic viability. 2. Governance systems will be organized through: Organizing tenure; Organizing stakeholders; Promoting cultural norms; Establishing co-management, and; Promoting associations. 3. Socio-economic development will be promoted through: Poverty reduction; Improving socio- economic services; Addressing common diseases among fishers especially HIV/AIDs, bilharzia, and malaria; Promoting gender balance, and; Integrating blue economy investments. 4. The fish habitat health will be managed through: Managing impacts of land use change; Managing pollutants and contaminants, and; Controlling invasive weeds. 5. Lake productivity potential will be applied through: Applying knowledge of physical, chemical and biological conditions and food-webs; Promoting culture-based fisheries; Promoting diversification to aquaculture; Addressing impacts of climate variability and change, and; Conserving aquatic biodiversity. 6. Fish production will be sustained and increased through: Sustaining and increasing production of individual lakes through management of major commercial species in these lakes especially Small pelagic species, Mputa, Ngege, Male, Mamba, Semutundu, Kisinja, and Ngasia. The factors that affect production will be addressed including: Regulating fishing capacity; Combating Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing; Reducing post-harvest losses, value addition and utilization, and; Improving market systems. 7. Enabling support services will be provided including: Information, awareness and skills; Appropriate policies, laws and regulations; and Capacity building (Infrastructure, Institutions, Human resources, and Funding). 8. Support will be provided towards: Implementation, Monitoring and evaluation, and Sustainability of NPOA-SSF. The investment to implement the NPOA-SSF over a five-year period is estimated at UGX 407 billion (US$ 110 million) and is expected to come from the national budget and development partners. 12 1.0 | Background and rationale 1.1 Importance of small-scale fisheries in the Ugandan economy All fisheries in Uganda are small scale fisheries (SSF) and all capture fisheries is produced by small scale fishers and fish workers (SSFFW). This provides nutritious fish to an estimated 15 million Ugandans, employ 3.2 million people, 60% women (MAAIF, 2018) and in 2022 produced 625,000 tons of fish valued at UGX 2 trillion. Fish contributes 3% to the national GDP, 12% to the agricultural GDP and is second to coffee in agricultural exports from Uganda. Uganda produced the highest quantity of inland capture fisheries in Africa and is fifth overall in the world (FAO, 2022). Uganda plans to increase fish production to 1,700,000 tons, of which at least 700,000 tons are expected to come from capture fisheries. This is possible because over 20% of Uganda’s surfaces area is covered by water comprising of five major lakes and about 160 small lakes, rivers and dams which can be harnessed to produce fish. This will, however, require commitment and involvement of all stakeholders especially SSFFW who form the majority of the producers to achieve sustainable, responsible fisheries. The fisheries in Uganda have historically been constrained by many factors. These mainly include: Inadequate organisation of the sub-sector, Poor socio-economic conditions of fishers; Degradation of the fish habitat; Biodiversity loss, Declining capture fisheries production, Lack of management plans for most production systems and species, Slow aquaculture growth; High post-harvest losses, Limited market information, Inadequate awareness and skills, Inadequate policies and regulations, Inadequate capacity, Inefficient implementation, monitoring, evaluation systems, and; Limited sustainability of programs. However, to address these constraints effectively there is need for SSFFW who are the primary resource users to play an active role in planning, developing and managing of the fisheries resources. Various instruments have been developed at global, continental, regional and national levels to guide the sustainable development of fisheries resources. The one that specifically provides for recognizing the important role of SSFFW in the sustainable development and effective management of fisheries are the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF-Guidelines) which were developed by FAO in a participatory manner and endorsed for implementation by the FAO Committee on Fisheries, COFI, in 2014 (FAO, 2015). 1.2 Rationale and requirements of SSF-Guidelines Small-scale fisheries employ 90% of the SSFFW in capture fisheries worldwide, 60% of whom are women and produce 40% of the fish landed worldwide (FAO, 2022) and should therefore play a leading role in their management. Virtually all inland fisheries of Africa, including Uganda, are small-scale. Despite forming the majority of the producers, SSFFW are not adequately involved in the conservations, sustainable development and management of fisheries resources. This, in most cases, is dominated by a top-down command- and-control system of government agencies. The rights of SSFFW have sometimes been abused. They have been ignored, discriminated, harassed, treated as criminals, marginalised, eliminated from decision-making processes, and have limited access to social services such as health, education, water and sanitation. This has made them to remain multi-dimensionally poor with limited access to key socio-economic services such as education, health, water and sanitation, electricity, housing, assets, productive employment, and financial services (UBOS, 2022). In Uganda, multidimensional poverty which includes SSFFW was, in 2019/20, estimated at 42.1% and was even as high as 85% in some parts of the country. This can, in the case of SSFFW be reduced if they are recognized, organised. empowered put at the forefront to sustainably develop fisheries resources which form the basis of their livelihood. 12 1.0 | Background and rationale 1.1 Importance of small-scale fisheries in the Ugandan economy All fisheries in Uganda are small scale fisheries (SSF) and all capture fisheries is produced by small scale fishers and fish workers (SSFFW). This provides nutritious fish to an estimated 15 million Ugandans, employ 3.2 million people, 60% women (MAAIF, 2018) and in 2022 produced 625,000 tons of fish valued at UGX 2 trillion. Fish contributes 3% to the national GDP, 12% to the agricultural GDP and is second to coffee in agricultural exports from Uganda. Uganda produced the highest quantity of inland capture fisheries in Africa and is fifth overall in the world (FAO, 2022). Uganda plans to increase fish production to 1,700,000 tons, of which at least 700,000 tons are expected to come from capture fisheries. This is possible because over 20% of Uganda’s surfaces area is covered by water comprising of five major lakes and about 160 small lakes, rivers and dams which can be harnessed to produce fish. This will, however, require commitment and involvement of all stakeholders especially SSFFW who form the majority of the producers to achieve sustainable, responsible fisheries. The fisheries in Uganda have historically been constrained by many factors. These mainly include: Inadequate organisation of the sub-sector, Poor socio-economic conditions of fishers; Degradation of the fish habitat; Biodiversity loss, Declining capture fisheries production, Lack of management plans for most production systems and species, Slow aquaculture growth; High post-harvest losses, Limited market information, Inadequate awareness and skills, Inadequate policies and regulations, Inadequate capacity, Inefficient implementation, monitoring, evaluation systems, and; Limited sustainability of programs. However, to address these constraints effectively there is need for SSFFW who are the primary resource users to play an active role in planning, developing and managing of the fisheries resources. Various instruments have been developed at global, continental, regional and national levels to guide the sustainable development of fisheries resources. The one that specifically provides for recognizing the important role of SSFFW in the sustainable development and effective management of fisheries are the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF-Guidelines) which were developed by FAO in a participatory manner and endorsed for implementation by the FAO Committee on Fisheries, COFI, in 2014 (FAO, 2015). 1.2 Rationale and requirements of SSF-Guidelines Small-scale fisheries employ 90% of the SSFFW in capture fisheries worldwide, 60% of whom are women and produce 40% of the fish landed worldwide (FAO, 2022) and should therefore play a leading role in their management. Virtually all inland fisheries of Africa, including Uganda, are small-scale. Despite forming the majority of the producers, SSFFW are not adequately involved in the conservations, sustainable development and management of fisheries resources. This, in most cases, is dominated by a top-down command- and-control system of government agencies. The rights of SSFFW have sometimes been abused. They have been ignored, discriminated, harassed, treated as criminals, marginalised, eliminated from decision-making processes, and have limited access to social services such as health, education, water and sanitation. This has made them to remain multi-dimensionally poor with limited access to key socio-economic services such as education, health, water and sanitation, electricity, housing, assets, productive employment, and financial services (UBOS, 2022). In Uganda, multidimensional poverty which includes SSFFW was, in 2019/20, estimated at 42.1% and was even as high as 85% in some parts of the country. This can, in the case of SSFFW be reduced if they are recognized, organised. empowered put at the forefront to sustainably develop fisheries resources which form the basis of their livelihood. 13 1.5 Requirement of SSF-Guidelines Achieving the objectives of SSF-Guidelines require: a) Upholding thirteen human rights principles, and; b) Addressing two strategic areas with ten thematic areas in SSF-Guidelines. 1.3 Purpose of the NPOA-SSF This National Plan of Action for Sustainable Small- Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF) provides modalities for increasing visibility and empowering SSFFW to work with other stakeholders to secure small-scale fisheries to achieve human rights, food security, and poverty eradication through the implementation of SSF-Guidelines. It has been designed in such a manner that it contributes to capture fisheries aspects of key development plans of Uganda including Vision 2040, National Development Plan III (NDPIII), The Uganda National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy Strategy and Action Plan (MAAIF, 2018), a; The Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023 (Republic of Uganda, 2023); those of the UN (UN, 2015), AU (AU, 2015), and EAC (EAC, 1999, 2003). The NPOA-SSF will, in addition, contribute to achieving sustainable development goals in Uganda especially the targets under SDG14 of conservation and sustainable use of marine resources namely: Reducing pollution (14.1); Protecting and restoring ecosystems (14.2); Sustainable fishing (14.4); Conserving coastal areas (14.5); Reducing overcapacity (14.6); Increasing economic benefits from the sustainable use of marine resources (15.7); Increasing scientific knowledge (14.8); Supporting small scale fishers (14.b) by more specifically increasing access of small-scale fishers to marine resources and markets; and enforcing laws and regulations (14.10). Effective implementation of the targets will contribute to ten out of the seventeen SDGs: 1 - No poverty; 2 - Zero hunger; 3 - Good health and well-being; 4 - Quality education; 5 - Gender equality, 6 - Clean water and sanitation; 8 - Decent work and economic growth; 13 - Climate action, and; 17 - Partnerships (UN, 2015). 1.4 Objectives of SSF-Guidelines The overall objective of SSF-Guidelines is to provide modalities on how SSFFW can work together with other stakeholders to secure sustainable small-scale fisheries to achieve food security and poverty eradication through the following specific objectives: a) Governance of tenure of fish production systems; b) Participatory development and management of fisheries resources; c) Improvement in socio-economic conditions and livelihoods; d) Management of the fish habitat and fisheries; e) Provision of enabling supportive services, and; f) Supporting implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and sustainability. 14 1.6 Human rights principles a) Human rights and dignity; b) Respect for cultures; c) Non-discrimination; d) Gender equality; e) Equity and equality; f) Consultation and participation; g) Rule of law; h) Transparency; i) Accountability; j) Economic, social, environmental and resource sustainability; k) Holistic and integrated approaches; l) Social responsibility, and; m) Social and economic viability. 1.7 Strategic and thematic areas of SSF-Guidelines SSF-Guidelines require addressing the following two strategic areas with ten thematic to secure small- scale fisheries: 1. Responsible fisheries and sustainable development: a) Responsible governance of tenure; b) Social development, employment, and decent work; c) Sustainable resource management; d) Value chains, post-harvest, and trade; e) Gender equality, and; f) Disaster risks and climate change. 2. Ensuring an enabling environment and supporting implementation: a) Policy coherence, institutional coordination, and collaboration; b) Information, research, and communication; c) Capacity (institutional, infrastructure, human resources, and funding), and; d) Supporting implementation, monitoring, evaluation and sustainability. SSF-Guidelines require upholding thirteen human rights principles namely: 14 1.6 Human rights principles a) Human rights and dignity; b) Respect for cultures; c) Non-discrimination; d) Gender equality; e) Equity and equality; f) Consultation and participation; g) Rule of law; h) Transparency; i) Accountability; j) Economic, social, environmental and resource sustainability; k) Holistic and integrated approaches; l) Social responsibility, and; m) Social and economic viability. 1.7 Strategic and thematic areas of SSF-Guidelines SSF-Guidelines require addressing the following two strategic areas with ten thematic to secure small- scale fisheries: 1. Responsible fisheries and sustainable development: a) Responsible governance of tenure; b) Social development, employment, and decent work; c) Sustainable resource management; d) Value chains, post-harvest, and trade; e) Gender equality, and; f) Disaster risks and climate change. 2. Ensuring an enabling environment and supporting implementation: a) Policy coherence, institutional coordination, and collaboration; b) Information, research, and communication; c) Capacity (institutional, infrastructure, human resources, and funding), and; d) Supporting implementation, monitoring, evaluation and sustainability. SSF-Guidelines require upholding thirteen human rights principles namely: 15 The National Task Forces (NTF) consisted of nine members with a representative from each of the following: Small-Scale Fishers and Fish Workers (SSFFW) who are the primary stakeholders; The Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) who served as its Chair, The Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Women Community Service Organisations, Non-Government Organisations; Lake Management Organizations; Researcher / academia; Fisheries Social Workers, and; a consultant who served as secretary. Human rights principles in SSF-Guidelines in section 1.6 were treated as a strategic area with each of the thirteen principles acting as a thematic area. The two strategic areas in the SSF-Guidelines listed in section 1.7 were aligned with those in international fisheries instruments into seven strategic areas namely: Organizing governance systems; Promoting socio-economic development; Managing the fish habitat health; Applying lake productivity potential; Sustaining and increasing fish production and utilization; Providing enabling support services, and; Supporting implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The thematic areas in SSF-Guidelines were enriched and aligned with those from global, continental, regional and national instruments including: The Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (FAO, 1995.); Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (AUC-NEPAD, 2014; AU-AIBAR 2019); The EAC Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy (LVFO, 2018); The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy Implementation Strategy and Action Plan (MAAIF, 2018) to produce a more comprehensive list of thematic areas each of which were assigned to one of the strategic areas. This generated eight strategic areas with a total of forty three thematic areas (Table 2). Development of the NPOA-SSF involved: a) Formation of a National Task Force; b) Defining strategic and thematic areas to be addressed; c) Determining stakeholders to be consulted; d) Preparing a working draft of the NPOA-SSF through desk literature review covering the thematic areas identified to guide stakeholder consultations; e) Conducting stakeholder consultations through workshops attended by stakeholder from the districts bordering each of the five major lakes; f) Presenting the Final Draft NPOA-SSF to the Competent Authority (MAAIF/DFR), and; g) Conducting a validation workshop. 2.1 Key steps in development of the NPOA-SSF 2.1.1 Formation of the National Task Force (NTF) 2.1.2 Defining strategic and thematic areas 2.0 | Process of developing the NPOA-SSF 16 Table 1 Consolidated list of strategic and thematic areas Strategic and thematic areas Strategic and thematic areas I. Recognizing human rights and responsibilities IV. Managing the fish habitat health 1.1. Human rights and dignity 4.1. Managing impacts of land use change 1.2. Respect culture 4.2. Managing pollutants and contaminants 1.3. Non-discrimination 4.3. Controlling invasive weeds 1.4. Gender equality V. Applying lake productivity potential 1.5. Equity and equality 5.1. Applying physical, chemical and biological conditions and food webs 1.6. Consultation and participation 5.2. Promoting culture-based fisheries 1.7. Rule of law 5.3. Promoting diversification to aquaculture especially cage culture 1.8. Transparency 5.4. Addressing impacts of climate variability and change 1.9. Accountability 5.5. Conserving aquatic biodiversity 1.10. Economic, social, environmental and resource sustainability VI. Sustaining and increasing fish production and utilization 1.11. Holistic and integrated approaches 6.1. Sustaining and increasing fish production of individual lakes 1.12. Social responsibility 6.2. Sustaining and increasing production of individual commercial species (Small pelagic species-SPS, Mputa, Ngege and Others) 1.13. Social and economic viability 6.3. Regulating fishing capacity II. Organising governance systems 6.4. Combating Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing 2.1. Organizing tenure 6.5. Reducing post-harvest fish losses, adding value and utilization 2.2. Organizing stakeholders 6.6. Improving trade and market systems 2.3. Promoting cultural norms VII. Providing enabling support services 2.4. Establishing co-management 7.1. Providing information, knowledge and skills 2.5. Promoting associations 7.2. Providing appropriate policies, laws and regulations III. Promoting socio-economic development 7.3. Providing adequate capacity (infrastructure, institutions, human, funding) 3.1. Poverty reduction VIII. Supporting implementation, monitoring, and evaluation 3.2. Improving socio-economic services 8.1. Establishing implementation mechanisms 3.3. Addressing HIV/AIDs, bilharzia, malaria, and other diseases 8.2. Establishing a monitoring and evaluation system 3.4. Promoting gender equality 8.3. Providing for sustainability 3.5. Integrating blue economy investments 17 Figure 1. Sessions of stakeholder consultations (a) the Task Force meeting the day before the stakeholder consultative workshop, (b) Working group discussions during the workshop, and (c), Working group presentations during the plenary. Photographs by the NTF. C A B The stakeholders who participated in identification of interventions addressed in the NPOA -SSF included the following: SSFFW, scientists, managers, NGOs/CBOs, traders/processors. The number of stakeholders who participated in the six stakeholder workshops that were conducted for riparian districts of lakes Victoria, Kyoga, Albert, and Edward/George, is summarised in Table 1. There were more District fisheries officers to represent the needs of SSFFW. Lake system Fishers Scientists Managers NGOs /CBOs Traders/ Processor Females Males Victoria (Eastern region) 5 (11.4) 6 (13.6) 19 (43.2) 3 (6.8) 11 (25.0) 17 (44.7) 21 (55.3) Victoria (Western region) 6 (15.8) 3 (7.9) 18 (47.4) 2 (5.2) 9 (23.7) 16 (45.8) 19 (54.2) Kyoga (Northern region) 17 (24%) 12 (16%) 31 (43.7%) 6 (8.5%) 5 (7.0%) 15 (24.6%) 46 (75.4%) Kyoga (Southern region) 5 (14.7%) 5 (14.7%) 15 (44.1%) 7 (20.6%) 2 (5.9%) 8 (26.7%) 22 (73.3%) Albert 5 (14.3) 3 (8.6) 11 (31.4) 3 (8.6) 13 (37.1) 11 (31.4) 24 (68.6) Edward/George 10 (25.6%) 3 (8.0%) 17 (43.6%) 4 (10.3%) 5 (12.8%) 11 (28.2%) 28 (71.8%) Total 43 (16.8) 32 (12.5) 111 (43.4) 25 (9.8) 45 (17.8) 78 (32.8) 160 (67.2) 2.1.3 The stakeholders consulted Table 2 The stakeholders consulted around the five major fish production systems between December 2022 and June 2023 18 Each stakeholder workshop lasted two days. On the first day, the NTF met to review progress and plan for the stakeholder workshop. The stakeholder workshop took place on the second day. During each workshop a presentation was made to introduce the participants to SSF-Guidelines and some provisions of the thematic areas from the literature review. The participants then broke up into working groups of about six stakeholders each to identify intervention to be addressed in the NPOA-SSF. This involved examining the status of each thematic area to identify issues and interventions. Generating information for each thematic area was guided by the following questions: Each intervention identified was ranked as H = High (must be done), M = Medium (should be done), and L = Low (may be done). The information generated was compiled in matrix as in the table below and presented to the plenary and was progressively used after each workshop to improve drafts up to the Draft Final NPOA-SSF. a) What is the status of the thematic area? b) What is the key issue(s) that need to be addressed? c) What is the key intervention(s) that should be undertaken to address the issues? 2.1.4 Stakeholder workshops Theme Issue (s) Intervention(s) Ranking Tenure Lack of tenure over different lakes Form Lake Management Organizations (LMOs) H Table 3 Matrix for recording the issues and interventions, and their ranking 2.2 Conceptual framework Securing small-scale to achieve human rights, food security, poverty eradication, and human will be built on the following eight strategic areas (Figure 1) which were translated into strategic objectives of the plan namely: a) Recognizing the human rights; b) Organizing governance systems; c) Promoting socio-economic development; d) Managing the fish habitat health; e) Applying lake productivity potential; f) Sustaining and increasing fish production and utilization; g) Proving enabling support services, and; h) Supporting implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. 19 2.3 Vision, goal, mission and objectives The vision, mission, goal, and objective of the NPOA-SSF were, on the basis of the provisions of SSF- Guidelines, the strategic and thematic areas identified defined as follows: Inclusive, competitive, sustainable and profitable small-scale fisheries. a) Recognize human rights and responsibilities; b) Organize governance systems; c) Promote socio-economic development; d) Manage the fish habitat health; e) Apply lake productivity potential; f) Sustain and increase fish Small-scale fishers recognized, organized, promoted, enabled, and supported to apply internationally acceptable best practices to secure sustainable development of small-scale fisheries. Small-scale fishers empowered to secure small- scale fisheries through best fishery and ecosystem management practices to achieve human rights, food security, and poverty eradication. Vision Strategic objectives: Mission: Goal: production, and utilization; g) Provide enabling support services, and; h) Support implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Figure 2 The eight strategic areas addressed in the NPOA-SSF 20 3.0 | Identification of interventions The interventions that were identified for implementation in the NPOA-SSF for each thematic area under the eight strategic objectives are summarised this section. They represent the actions that SSFFW and other stakeholders will undertake to secure sustainable small-scale fisheries to achieve human rights, food security and poverty eradication. 3.1 Strategic objective I: Recognizing human rights and responsibilities Human rights and responsibilities will be fulfilled through addressing the following principles: a) Human rights and dignity; b) Respect of culture; c) Non-discrimination; d) Gender equality; e) Equity and equality; f) Consultation and participation; g) Rule of law; h) Transparency; i) Accountability; j) Economic, social and environmental resource sustainability; k) Holistic and integrated approaches; l) Social responsibility, and; m) Social and economic viability. There are human rights abuses of SSFFW including harassment, extortions, bribes, brutal arrest, torture, imprisonment, confiscation and resale of gear and fish by law enforcement agencies. a) This will be addressed by promoting the rule of law and putting in place measures to identify and punish those who abuse human rights. There were cultural norms of fishers such as governance system of Gabungas and management systems but these have diminished and are no longer recognized and applied. a) Traditional norms and practices, of fishing communities such as the governance system of Gabungas and traditional management systems will be identified and appropriate ones promoted. There is discrimination especially of less advantaged groups in accessing fisheries based on influence and economic ability. a) Standard operation procedures (SOPs) that eliminate discrimination in fisheries and empowers the vulnerable will be developed and applied. 3.1.1. Human rights and dignity 3.1.2. Respect of culture 3.1.3. No discrimination 21 There is degeneration in social, economic, environmental, and resources sustainability. a) The NPOA-SSF will implemented in a manner that promotes social, economic, environmental and resources sustainability. There is un-proportional acquisition and allocation of rights such as licenses to wealthier and more influential actors. a) SOPs that provide for equity and rationalize access to fisheries by all stakeholders especially local communities and the vulnerable will be developed and applied. There is inadequate awareness and sometimes mis-interpretation of laws and regulations, persistence of obsolete laws, selective application of laws and regulations, and application of laws which do not exists. a) Awareness of laws and regulations will be increased, obsolete laws reviewed and improved, and only existing laws applied equally to all stakeholders. There is inadequate transparency among stakeholders in processes and procedures a) All processes and procedures affecting SSFFW will be undertaken in an inclusive and transparent manner. There is limited accountability by the different players a) Stakeholders will be held accountable for their actions according to existing policies, laws and regulations. 3.1.10. Economic, social, environment, and resource sustainability 3.1.5. Equity and equality 3.1.7. Rule of law 3.1.8. Transparency There is inadequate consideration of all components of the ecosystem in development of fisheries resources. a) All relevant components of the ecosystem will be considered in development and management of fisheries resources in line with the ecosystem approach to fisheries and the blue economy strategy and action plan. 3.1.11 Holistic and integrated approaches 3.1.9. Accountability There are socio-cultural factors that make it difficult for women and men to participate equally in all fisheries activities. This has led to areas such as fishing being dominated by men and fish processing and marketing by women. a) Gender equality will be promoted by considering gender in all interventions of the NPOA-SSF and balancing support in areas where men and women have comparative advantage. 3.1.4. Gender equality 22 There is inadequate social responsibility in development and management of fisheries a) The needs of all stakeholders will be considered in development and management of fisheries resources. 3.1.12. Social responsibility There is inadequate consideration of social, economic, environmental, and resource viability in development of fisheries resources. a) Social, economic, and environmental viability of the fisheries resources with be considered in their exploitation. 3.1.13. Social and economic viability 3.2 Strategic objective II: Organizing governance systems Governance systems will be organized through: a) Organizing tenure; b) Organizing stakeholders; c) Promoting cultural norms; d) Establishing co-management, and; e) Promoting associations. Uganda has five major lakes Albert, Edward, George, Kyoga, and Victoria (Figure 1) and about 160 minor lakes each of which should be managed as a unit. Most of the large lakes are transboundary. Lakes Albert and Edward are shared between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, (DRC) while Lake Victoria is shared between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Management of the lakes within Uganda falls under the central government, local governments of districts, and lower levels of governance. There is a regional fisheries management organisation (RFMO), the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation (LVFO, 2016), which coordinates harmonisation of management measures between the countries sharing Lake Victoria and its basins and a Lake Edward and Lake Albert Fisheries and Aquaculture Organization (LEAFAO) (Republic of Uganda, 2018) that harmonizes measures for sustainable use of the resources of Lakes Edward and Albert but none for those shared by districts. There are challenges of ownership of land for landing sites although the 200m of land of the lake shore and river banks is designated by law and protected as public land and the landing sites are located within this zone but much of this land is owned by private individuals. The Local Government Act (1995b) provides for districts to cooperate in management of a common resources. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023 provides for the establishment and regulation of LMOs. Each of the lakes together with their support infrastructure such as landing sites, will, in the context of the NPOA-SSF, constitute tenure system under LMOs. a) Guidelines for establishment of Lake Management Organisations (LMOs) will be developed with participations of SSFFW; b) A LMO will be formed on each lake to coordinate management of the lakes by districts sharing a lake in collaboration of SSFFW, and; c) Modalities will be developed for acquiring land for landing site infrastructure. 3.2.1 Organising tenure 23 Lake Albert is shared between seven districts (Packwach-1, Nwoya-2, Buliisa-3, Hoima-4, Kikuube-5, Kagadi-6, and Ntoroko-7); The Kyoga lakes are shared between eighteen districts (Apac-1, Kwania-2, Amolatar-3, Dokolo-4, Kaberamaido-5, Kalaki-6, Soroti-7, Serere-8, Ngora-8, Katakwi-10, Kumi-11, Palisa-12, Ngora-13, Kaliro-14, Buyende-15, Kamuli – 16, Kayunga-17, and Nakasongala-18); Lake Victoria is shared between fifteen districts (Kyotera-1, Masaka-2, Kalungu-3, Mpigi-4, Wakiso-5, Kampala-6, Mukono-7, Buikwe-8, Jinja-9, Mayuge-10, Bugiri-11, Namayingo-12, Busia-13, Buvuma-14, and Kalangala-15); Lake Edward is shared between three districts (Kasese-1, Rubirizi-3, Rukungiri-4, and Kanungu-5); Lake George is shared between three districts (Kasese-1, Kitagwenda-2, and Rubirizi-3), and; Lake Wamala between three districts (Kasanda-1, Mityana-2, and Gomba-3). Figure 3 The major small-scale fisheries production systems of Uganda. 24 a) Guidelines for establishment of a co-management system will be prepared with active involvement of SSFFW to ensure that their interests are provided for, and; b) An inclusive co-management system will be formed and operationalized at different levels of governance. There are public and private sector stakeholders involved in development and management of the fish habitat and fisheries with supporting policies and regulations. The main ones being: Directorate of Fisheries Resources (DFR) for fisheries (Republic of Uganda, 2023), Directorate of Water Resources Management (DWRM) for water (Republic of Uganda, 1997), and The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for environment (Republic of Uganda, 2019) with local governments (LG) being responsible for implementation of management measures at district level (Republic of Uganda, 1995b). Other Ministries such as those responsible for education, health, and gender are responsible for providing related social services to SSFFW. There are other stakeholder categories involved in the thematic areas addressed in the NPOA-SSF including the following: SSFFW’s organizations, Women and youth organizations, Input suppliers; Fish processors, exporters and traders, NGOs and CBOs, Law enforcement agencies, Research and academic institutions, Training institutions, Social service providers (education, health, water and sanitation), Media houses, Politicians, and Development partners. These stakeholders are however, not properly identified, organized, linked, and engaged to work as a team in development and management of fisheries resources. Fisheries historically had cultural norms that were important in management, conservation and sustainable use of fisheries resources. Each landing site had a highly respected traditional leader known as the Gabunga. Through these traditional arrangements, there were management measures such as closed seasons and areas, size of fish to be caught and sacred places. These cultural norms have diminished and are no longer applied. On one of H.E. The President visit to Kalangala island in May 2023, he directed that the fishers should organize themselves with guidance of elders to solve problems that were raised to him. This requires identification and involvement of elders to play the role previously played by Gabungas and to identify traditional and valuable cultural norms that are beneficial in development and management of fisheries resources. a) A database of stakeholders including SSFFW and their roles in fisheries will be created; b) The stakeholders will be mobilized and invited to participate in NPOA-SSF in their respective roles, and networked from landing site to the national level to increase their voice. a) Local elders will be identified and involved in management of landing sites and networked to higher levels of a system of elders, and; b) Beneficial cultural norms will be identified and promoted. 3.2.2 Organising stakeholders 3.2.3 Promoting cultural norms A co-management system previously existed as legally empowered Beach Management Units (BMUs) (Republic of Uganda, 2003) which provided for the participation of different stakeholders including SSFFW in conservation and sustainable development of fisheries resources. They were disbanded in 2015 and replaced by landing committees as the primary unit of fisheries management but these have not been organised and linked to different levels of governance as was the case for BMUs and guidelines for their formation and operation have not been developed. Co-management is provided for in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023 including the linkages from the landing site to national and even regional levels. The BMU system had well-defined structures from village to national and even regional levels which can be improved to develop the co-management system. 3.2.4 Establishing a co-management system 25 Associations provide for collective action and voice in addressing common problems such as accessing services social services, inputs, monitoring and managing resources, markets, credit, and development programs. For instance, the Uganda Fish Processors and Exporters Association UFPEA has provided a common voice for fish processors and exporters of Nile perch which has even been involved in enforcing the slot size of Nile perch. The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda provides for the formation of associations (Republic of Uganda, 1995a). There is, however, an overall lack of associations among SSFFW along the value chain and in the thematic areas targeted in the NPOA-SSF and the few that exist are localised and not organised and networked to increased their voice. The average multidimensional poverty in Uganda is very high and cuts across sectors. It was, as of 2022, estimated at an average of 42.1% and as high as 85% in some parts of the country (UBOS, 2022) despite the government target to reduce poverty rates to 14.2% under NDPIII by 2025 (Republic of Uganda 2020). Poverty profiles differ among SSFFW with some categories like labourers being in the worst poverty category and needing specific attention (Odongkara, 2005). This is partly due to dependency on fisheries as a sole source of livelihood, limited capacity in business skills, and poor saving culture. Poverty contributes to long-term detriments for households including luring children in fishing and promoting child labor and sexual exploitation which can reinforce inter-generational poverty cycles. The SSFFW are normally located in remote rural areas with limited socio-economic services such as schools, health facilities, water and sanitation, roads, banks, and credit facilities. Access to these services is a human right that is recognized internationally and is provided for in national legal instruments. Most socio-economic services are, however, under different MDA such as works, health, education, water and sanitation, and energy, which are outside the mandate of fisheries and SSFFW can only access alongside other citizens. There are also fishery related social economic services such as fish landing and fish handling facilities that need improvement for effective operation of fisheries activities. a) Key categories of SSFFW along the value chain will be organized and supported to form associations, and b) The specific categories of associations will be networked through different levels of governance up to the national level to provide for a stronger voice. a) SSFFW will be mobilized to participate in development programs, including social protection, such as PDM; b) Alternative livelihood options will be identified and promoted, and; c) SSFFW will be trained business skills, savings and financial management. 3.2.5 Promoting associations 3.3.1 Poverty reduction 3.3.2 Improving socio-economic services 3.3 Strategic objective III: Promoting socio-economic development Socio-economic development will be promoted through measures to: a) Reduce poverty; b) Improve socio-economic services; c) Address common diseases among fishers especially HIV/AIDs, bilharzia and malaria; d) Promote gender balance, and; e) Integrate blue economy investments. 26 a) A need assessment of priority socio-economic requirements of SSFFW will be undertaken and presented to government agencies and development partners for consideration in their development plans; b) SSFFW will be mobilized to access socio-economic services of direct importance to fisheries through self-support systems. c) SSFFW will be registered into social and fisheries registries to gather socio-economic and sex- aggregated data and their access to socio-economic services such as social protection programs d) Inter-institutional working groups will be set up to address socio-economic matters, including access to socio-economic services, in the small-scale fisheries sector. Fishing communities are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, bilharzia, malaria and other water related diseases due to their location in high risk areas (LVFO, 2007a). For instance, the prevalence of HIV/AIDs among fishing communities in Uganda is 22-37% which is 3-5 time above national average (Musumari et al., 2021) and that of bilharzia is 25.6% and fishers are most exposed (Exum et al., 2019). Some of these diseases especially HIV/AIDs and bilharzia can stay in the body undetected until advanced lethal stages. There is therefore need for targeted awareness, testing, and provision of treatment for SSFFW who are highly vulnerable. Promoting gender equality is a guiding principle of the SSF-Guidelines that strongly encourages the provision of equal opportunities to men and women in development and has been endorsed at global (UN, 1979, FAO 2017), continental (AU 2009), regional (EAC, 2018) and national (Republic of Uganda, 2007) levels and is one of the SDGs. Women and youths are important in the sustainable development of fisheries and women constitute up to 60% of SSFFW at the global and national level. The FAO (2017) has proposed that gender-equitable development in small-scale fisheries governance and development should be promoted through inclusion of gender in all fisheries programs. Uganda has a gender policy (Republic of Uganda, 2007) that obliges MDAs to translate the policy into sector specific strategies and action plans and this is provided for in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy Strategy Implementation Plan (MAAIF, 2017, 2018). However, there are socio-cultural factors that make it difficult for women and men to participate equally in all fisheries activities. This has led to areas like fishing being dominated by men and fish processing and marketing by women. a) Established SSFFW institutions under LMO and co-management systems will work with institutions responsible for health to increase awareness and advocate for testing and treatment against HIV/AIDS, bilharzia, malaria other common water related diseases among fishers. a) Gender will be considered in all interventions of the NPOA-SSF, and; b) Gender balance will be promoted through balancing support in areas where men and women have comparative advantage. 3.3.3 Addressing common diseases among fishers - HIV/AIDs, bilharzia and malaria 3.3.4 Promoting gender equality 27 There is increased degradation of the fish habitat due to agriculture, deforestation, degradation of wetlands and nearshore areas of aquatic systems. This exposes water bodied to sedimentation and pollutants. Uganda has The National Environment Act, 2019 (Republic of Uganda, 2019) with provisions to protect the fish habitat health including wetlands, river banks and lake shores but there is inadequate sensitization, compliance, and commitment to enforcement of the regulations. a) Information on the status of land use changes will be evaluated and measures to improve it put in place including increasing awareness, compliance, and enforcement of environmental regulations in collaboration with NEMA. b) Lake shores and river banks will be protected including afforestation a) Spatial planning of blue economy investments will be promoted; b) Opportunities and threats of blue economy investments on SSFFW will be assessed and those requiring ESIA obliged to undertake and monitor it; c) Blue economy investors will be encouraged to provide socio-economic services that benefit SSFFW, and; d) Joint action will be promoted in addressing issues that cut across blue economy investments such as maritime safety and security. 3.4.1 Managing impacts of land use change 3.4 Strategic area IV: Managing the fish habitat health The fish habitat health will be managed through: Blue economy is a strategy that advocates for addressing water related economic investments such as fisheries, shipping, water transport, trade, ports, maritime security, shoreline developments, tourism, water-based energy and mineral resources together in development (AU-IBAR, 2019). Blue economy investments such as the oil development in the Albertine Rift and the construction of dams along rivers have positive and negative impacts on ecosystems and small-scale fisheries and livelihoods of SSFFW. Occupational hazards such as maritime accidents and piracy are common on aquatic systems and cut across blue economy investments and are estimated to lead to a loss of about 3000 lives annually on Ugandan lakes mostly of SSFFW. 3.3.5 Integrating blue economy investments a) Managing impacts of land use change; b) Managing pollutants, and; c) Controlling invasive weeds; 28 Pollutants including inorganic heavy metals, organic pollutants, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and plastics are increasing but their consequences on the health of aquatic ecosystems systems and the consumers of aquatic products is not adequately appreciated. a) Information on the types, sources and impacts of pollutants on different aquatic systems will be assessed, their implications on the health of aquatic systems and users of aquatic products assessed and interventions recommended. b) SSFFW will be mobilized to manage pollutants especially plastics 3.4.2 Managing pollutants Invasive aquatic weeds especially water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes and Kariba, Salvinia molesta have invaded most Ugandan lakes (Musinguzi et al 2022). These weeds affect livelihoods of SSFFW, fisheries, water transport, hydropower generation, and provide suitable habitats for intermediate hosts of vectors of water borne diseases. The weeds can be controlled using natural enemies and through mechanical and physical removal. a) Occurrence and distribution of aquatic weeds will be assessed and monitored and control measures involving SSFFW implemented. b) Fishers will be sensitized to remove the weeds on their fishing trips 3.4.3 Controlling invasive weed 3.5 Strategic objective V: Applying lake productivity potential Applying lake productivity potential will be achieved through: a) Applying knowledge of physical, chemical and biological conditions and food-webs; b) Promoting culture-based fisheries; c) Promoting diversification to aquaculture d) Addressing impacts of climate variability and change, and; e) Conserving aquatic biodiversity. Changes in physical factors especially oxygen and production nutrients especially phosphorus and nitrogen affects algal, invertebrate productivity and physiology of fishes and have been associated with changes in fish production and fish kills. For instance, the drastic increases in fish production in Lake Kyoga in the mid 1970s (Ogutu-Ohwayo et al 2013) followed increases in water level, submergence and decay of aquatic macrophytes which increased nutrient levels of the lake. Similar changes occurred in Lake Wamala during the same period. Similarly, the dramatic increase in fish production in Lake Victoria after the 1980s coincided with increases in concentration of phosphorus (Hecky et al, 2010) associated with changes in climatic factors which altered mixing dynamics and affected the productivity of the lake. Knowledge of the relationship between lake productivity processes and fish production can be applied to predict the capacity of a water body to produce fish and to explain mass fish kills but is not normally considered in fisheries management. 3.5.1 Applying knowledge of physical, chemical and biological conditions and food-webs a) Information on the relationship between lake productivity processes and fish production will be mobilized, shared, and applied where necessary; b) Ecosystem models on the relationship between fish production of individual lakes will be prepared. 29 Climate variability and change have intensified since the 1970s and is altering nutrient circulation, lake productivity processes, and fish production. Changes in fish production such as the increase in the relative abundance of small pelagic species (SPS) in aquatic systems around the world have been attributed to climate change (FAO, 2010). This seems to be responsible for the increases in abundance of SPS in some Ugandan lakes especially Victoria, Kyoga, and Albert since the 1970s. Besides, climate variability and change contributes to floods and drought, alters lake levels, affects riparian communities and infrastructure, and causes calamities within and outside water bodies. These changes affect livelihoods and require identifying and putting in place appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures (UN, 1992). Information on the impacts of climate variability and change on inland fisheries of Africa and adaptation and mitigation measures is starting to accumulate (Ogutu-Ohwayo et al 2016). There is, however, limited awareness, and response plans to the impacts of climate variability and change, and; Limited adaptation and mitigation measures to enable affected communities to adapt to sustain their livelihoods. 3.5.4 Addressing impacts of climate variability and change a) Information on the impacts of climate variability and change on fish production and livelihoods will be mobilized and shared; b) Location specific adaptation and mitigation measures that provide for the needs of SSFFW will be identified and promoted; c) Calamities associated with climate change such as floods will be identified and remedial measures put in place in collaboration with lead agencies. a) SSFFW endeavoring to diversify specially to cage culture will be supported with inputs such as construction materials, seed, feed, and technical services, training and capacity building. Capture fisheries are expected to reach their limit with increases in human population evidenced by the trends in fish catches and the decrease in the number of commercial species (Figure 5). This will displace many SSFFW from capture fisheries many of whom may be landless. Uganda plans to increase fish production from the current level to about 1.7 million tons annually and this is expected to be achieved through enhancement in aquaculture production (MAAIF, 2018). Aquaculture production in Uganda increased from 820 to 118,000 tons between 2000 and 2016. This has mainly been through farming the lakes using cages. This, if correctly planned and promoted, could contribute to an increase in fish production and reduce pressure on capture fisheries and keep SSFFW in fisheries. Some SSFFW including women and youths have started to diversify to aquaculture especially cage aquaculture. They are, however, constrained by high investment costs and require incentives through support with inputs such as seed, feed and technical advice and training in farm management and operations. 3.5.3 Promoting diversification to aquaculture Uganda has many water bodies especially minor lakes and dams scattered in different parts of the country. Many of these water bodies have sparse or no fish populations. These water bodies can be harnessed to produced fish. This requires assessment of individual water bodies on the status of their stocks and their suitability and capability to produce fish but there is inadequate knowledge of the capacity of individual water bodies to support fish populations. 3.5.2 Promoting culture-based fisheries a) Capability and suitability of selected water bodies to produce fish will be assessed, and; b) Selected capable and suitable water bodies will be stocked with fish to be managed by local communities. 30 Ecosystem and species diversity which support fish production have and continue to decline which is threatening fish production and livelihoods. Many commercially important fishes have been lost. The number of dominant fish species in commercial catches on Ugandan lakes has decreased from >15 in the 1950s to only three since the 1980s. Stocks of originally important commercial species such as the native tilapias of Lakes Victoria and Kyoga, the riverine species such as the Ningu, larger commercial species of Lake Albert such as Distichodus spp and Citherinus spp, and over ~200 haplochromines species of Lakes Victoria and Kyoga have either disappeared or are at the verge of extinction. Critical habitats that support fish production such as wetlands and riverine habitats are being destroyed and lost. Securing small-scale fisheries will require identifying and conserving the fishes that form the basis of production and protecting the habitats in which fish is produced. The international community has through the CBD (UN, 1992) committed itself to the conservation of biological diversity and sustainable use of its components. Uganda has national regulations to address the CBD (Republic of Uganda, 2019) and is one of the few African countries with a fisheries biodiversity database (https://freshwaterbiodiversity. go.ug) and a red list status of fish species but this has not been translated into policy and action. Aquatic biodiversity conservation areas have not been identified and set up and a system for their management established. 3.5.5 Conserving aquatic biodiversity a) Suitable areas for aquatic biodiversity conservation will be identified and set up in collaborations with local communities to be managed by the communities within the LMO / co-management systems that will be established under the NPOA-SSF. 3.6 Strategic objective VI: Sustaining and increasing fish production and utilization Sustaining and increasing fish production and utilization will be achieved through supporting the LMO and co-management systems to: a) Sustain and increase production of individual lakes; b) Manage production of individual major commercial species in each lake, and; c) Manage the factors that affect production, value and utilization of fish and fishery products. Total fish production from Uganda increased from about 60,000 tons in 1960 to 625,000 tons in 2022. This has been due to increase catches in individual lakes during different periods (Figures 4 and 5) and can decrease if not well managed. The first major increase was due to Lake Kyoga, where catches increased from 26,000 tons in 1967 to a peak of 167,000 tons in 1977/78 which then decreased and oscillated at an average of 40,000 tons after 2012. As the Lake Kyoga catches decreased, those of Lake Victoria increased first from 44,000 tons in 1984 to about 120,000 in 1992 mainly due to increase in catches of Mputa and oscillated around 100,000 tons between 1990 and 1999 before increasing again between 2000 and 2003 and oscillating around 250,000 tons up to 2022 due to increases in catches of SPS. The overall increase in catches after 2004 was sustained by increases in fish catches of Lake Albert from 56,000 in 2004 tons to 348,000 in 2022 mainly due to increased in SPS. The catches from Lakes Edward/George have remained at an average of 7,000 and Lake Wamala at 5,000 tons and can be assumed to have stabilised and should be managed around these values. Optimal levels of fish production from individual major lakes of Uganda are not well known and will therefore have to be determined and managed appropriately within the LMO/co-management system to sustain production during implementation of NPOA-SSF. 3.6.1 Sustaining and increasing fish production of individual lakes a) Trends in catches of individual lakes will be examined, optimal levels of production of individual lakes estimated and applied by respective LMOs. 31 Figure 5 Changes in commercial catches of major fish production systems in Uganda 1961-2022 (Data from DFR, Uganda) Figure 4 Contribution of major water bodies to commercial fish catches in Uganda between 1961 and 2022 32 Fish production of individual lakes is determined by that of individual fish species in these lakes. During a ten-year period (2012-2021), the species that contributed most to commercial catches nationwide were: Small pelagic species SPS (Mukene, Muziri and Ragoze) – 57.1%, Mputa – 18.5%, Ngege (mainly Oreochromis niloticus) - 11.1%, Angara - 2.5%, Mamba - 2%, Semutundu - 1.8%, Male - 1.6%, Ngasia – 1.2%, Kisinja – 0.7% and the rest - 3.5%. The contribution of these species to fish catches varies between the lakes (Table 4). 3.6.2 Sustaining and increasing production of individual commercial species Scientific Name Victoria (2021) Kyoga (2014) Albert (2019) Edward / George (2019) Wamala (2012) Mukene (Rastrineobola argentea) 62 14 Muziri (Mesobola bredoi) 36 Ragoogi (Brycinus nurse) 20 Mputa (Lates spp) 15 19 10 Ngege (Oreochromis niloticus) 3 53 4 14 24 Nkejje (Haplochromines) 4 1 Mamba (Protopterus aethiopicus) ` 8 1 28 30 Semutundu (Bagrus sp) 4 26 Male (Clarias sp) 3 2 15 46 Ngasia (Hydrocynus sp) 5 Angara (Alestes sp.) 4 Kisinja (Barbus sp) 3 12 Nkolongo (Synodontis sp) 4 1.6 Kasulu (Mormyrus sp) 4 Other species 16 2 3 Total (tons) 1,484,000 43,500 335,000 6,600 1,200 Table 4. Percentage contribution of individual fish taxa to commercial catches from major lakes based on the most up-to-date catch assessment survey (CAS) data for each lake. [LVFO (2016, 2017, 2022), NAFIRRI (2012, 2015), NELSAP (2019, 2021)] Using Lake Victoria as an example (Figure 6), total fish catches over the whole lake had remained below 100,000 tons before 1980 but increased to 755,000 tons in 1990 mainly due to increase in Mputa whose catches after increasing oscillated at a mean value of 250,000 tons annually. The increase in fish catches in Lake Victoria since 1990 have mainly been through increases in catches of Mukene who catches have increased continuously up to 2021. The catches of Ngege initially increased and then decreased while those of Nkejje and other species which had collapsed to almost zero between 1980 and 2000 has started to increase. Therefore, there should be species-specific management plans. Sustaining production of individual lakes will be achieved through managing production of individual species that contribute most to commercial catches in each lake. There is, however inadequate information on optimal levels of production of individual fish species in the different lakes. a) Information and data on individual fish species will be generated and applied to prepare species- specific management plans for individual lakes 33 Increasing and sustaining fish production of individual lakes will be achieved through: a) Preparing species-specific management plans for individual commercially important fish species. b) Preparing management plans for the factors that affect fish production (Fishing capacity, IUU Fishing, Post-harvest losses). c) Preparing lake-specific management plans. Figure 6. Trends in commercial catches of major commercial species in Lake Victoria between 1960 and 2020 34 3.6.2.1 Managing the fishery of small pelagic species (SPS) The small pelagic species, SPS (Mukene, Muziri, and Ragoogi), which are locally known as Mukene in Uganda, contributed most (57.1%) by weight to commercial catches in Uganda over the recent ten years (2012-2021) and their catches have continued to increase. They are only found in lakes Victoria, Albert and the Kyoga system and contributed to the increases in catches in Lake Victoria after 1990, Lake Kyoga since the 1990s, and Lake Albert since 2004 (Figures 4, 5 and 6). They are the only taxa whose catches have consistently increased since the 1980s (Figure 6). They are consumed locally and regionally and are highly nutritious with high levels of protein, vitamins, and micronutrients that are essential for healthy living. They are cheap and affordable by the poor and are the most common fish in rural markets. They are processed through sun drying which is environmentally friendly. Their processing and marketing are dominated by women which contributes to gender balance. They are marketed regionally but the trade is largely informal which does not maximize the benefits that can be derived from them. SPS are harvested using fine mosquito nets of 3~8mm which can capture juveniles and affect the recruitment of large sized species. About 25-40% of SPS landed is lost through poor handling and only 20-30% goes to direct human food and the rest to animal feeds (Damien Legros & Joseph Luomba. 2011) which deprives the poor of a cheap source of nutritious food. A number of post harvest technologies for processing and improvement of products of SPS have been developed but are not widely disseminated and adapted. Fishing for SPS is regulated through a minimum mesh size of 10mm for Lake Victoria and 8mm for Lakes Albert and Kyoga and restricting fishing to beyond 2km from the shoreline (Republic of Uganda, 2010). However, the legal mesh sizes are no longer applicable. For instance, 99.5% of the nets used to catch SPS in Lake Albert (NELSAP, 2021) and 95% in Lake Victoria (LVFO, 2017, 2022a, b) were <8mm. There has also been controversy on the number of net panels that should be used on different lakes. a) Trends in production of SPS will be determined to guide licensing; b) Appropriate gear sizes and net panels will be determined for different lakes and the gear size regulation reviewed; c) Training in post-harvest handing will be conducted to improve skills and products; d) Post-harvest handling and marketing infrastructure will be improved; e) The population will be sensitized to increase awareness of nutritional value; and f) Information on optimal markets will be mobilized and shared. Mputa is the most valuable export fish commodity from Uganda. Elaborate quality assurance systems and markets for Mputa have been developed and are available. The quantity of Mputa landed from lakes Kyoga and Victoria first increased dramatically following establishment of the species in these lakes but later decreased and remained at a lower level (Figure 6). Consequently, Mputa exports from Uganda initially increased from 5,000 to 35,000 tons annually between 1990 and 2005 but later fell to 12,000 tons by 2017 due to the decrease in catches. Similarly, export value increased from US$ 5 million in 1991 to 143 million in 2005 but fell to 86 million by 2010 and only increased after 2014 mainly due to the export of highly valuable Mputa maws (the swim bladder) but the export of fish maws is not regulated. By-products from Mputa processing need improvement for consumption. Harvesting Mputa is regulated through a minimum size at harvest of 50 cm, minimum gill net mesh size of 7 inches, hooks sizes of 9, and prohibiting use of illegal fishing gears and methods (Republic of Uganda, 2002, 2010). 3.6.2.2 Managing the Mputa fishery 34 3.6.2.1 Managing the fishery of small pelagic species (SPS) The small pelagic species, SPS (Mukene, Muziri, and Ragoogi), which are locally known as Mukene in Uganda, contributed most (57.1%) by weight to commercial catches in Uganda over the recent ten years (2012-2021) and their catches have continued to increase. They are only found in lakes Victoria, Albert and the Kyoga system and contributed to the increases in catches in Lake Victoria after 1990, Lake Kyoga since the 1990s, and Lake Albert since 2004 (Figures 4, 5 and 6). They are the only taxa whose catches have consistently increased since the 1980s (Figure 6). They are consumed locally and regionally and are highly nutritious with high levels of protein, vitamins, and micronutrients that are essential for healthy living. They are cheap and affordable by the poor and are the most common fish in rural markets. They are processed through sun drying which is environmentally friendly. Their processing and marketing are dominated by women which contributes to gender balance. They are marketed regionally but the trade is largely informal which does not maximize the benefits that can be derived from them. SPS are harvested using fine mosquito nets of 3~8mm which can capture juveniles and affect the recruitment of large sized species. About 25-40% of SPS landed is lost through poor handling and only 20-30% goes to direct human food and the rest to animal feeds (Damien Legros & Joseph Luomba. 2011) which deprives the poor of a cheap source of nutritious food. A number of post harvest technologies for processing and improvement of products of SPS have been developed but are not widely disseminated and adapted. Fishing for SPS is regulated through a minimum mesh size of 10mm for Lake Victoria and 8mm for Lakes Albert and Kyoga and restricting fishing to beyond 2km from the shoreline (Republic of Uganda, 2010). However, the legal mesh sizes are no longer applicable. For instance, 99.5% of the nets used to catch SPS in Lake Albert (NELSAP, 2021) and 95% in Lake Victoria (LVFO, 2017, 2022a, b) were <8mm. There has also been controversy on the number of net panels that should be used on different lakes. a) Trends in production of SPS will be determined to guide licensing; b) Appropriate gear sizes and net panels will be determined for different lakes and the gear size regulation reviewed; c) Training in post-harvest handing will be conducted to improve skills and products; d) Post-harvest handling and marketing infrastructure will be improved; e) The population will be sensitized to increase awareness of nutritional value; and f) Information on optimal markets will be mobilized and shared. Mputa is the most valuable export fish commodity from Uganda. Elaborate quality assurance systems and markets for Mputa have been developed and are available. The quantity of Mputa landed from lakes Kyoga and Victoria first increased dramatically following establishment of the species in these lakes but later decreased and remained at a lower level (Figure 6). Consequently, Mputa exports from Uganda initially increased from 5,000 to 35,000 tons annually between 1990 and 2005 but later fell to 12,000 tons by 2017 due to the decrease in catches. Similarly, export value increased from US$ 5 million in 1991 to 143 million in 2005 but fell to 86 million by 2010 and only increased after 2014 mainly due to the export of highly valuable Mputa maws (the swim bladder) but the export of fish maws is not regulated. By-products from Mputa processing need improvement for consumption. Harvesting Mputa is regulated through a minimum size at harvest of 50 cm, minimum gill net mesh size of 7 inches, hooks sizes of 9, and prohibiting use of illegal fishing gears and methods (Republic of Uganda, 2002, 2010). 3.6.2.2 Managing the Mputa fishery 35 a) Precautionary approaches involving avoiding catching of immature individuals will be applied; b) Critical habitats especially wetlands will be protected, and; c) Sizes at first maturity of individual species will be determined and appropriate regulations developed. Other fish taxa such as Angara Mamba, Semutundu, Male, Ngasia, Kisinja and Nkejje are commercially important in major lakes including Albert, Edward, George, Wamala (Table 4) and minor lakes. These species do not have specific regulations for their management but benefit from compliance with gear type and size regulations. Some like Mamba and Male are wetland species and their stocks would benefit from conservation of these habitats. a) Optimal levels of harvest will be determined to control licenses; b) Minimum size at harvest of 28 cm and fishing malpractices will be enforced, and: c) Critical nearshore breeding and nursery areas will be protected. Ngege is the most preferred food fish in Uganda and much of what is harvested is consumed locally. It is widely distributed in virtually all water bodies in Uganda and was introduced into many water bodies where it was originally absent including lakes Victoria, Kyoga, Wamala and many minor lakes where it established profitable fisheries. It is also the species mostly used in aquaculture. Ngege is normally restricted to shallow lakes and inshore areas of deep lake, and is abundant in lakes Kyoga, George and Wamala (Table 4). The stocks of Ngege are declining in almost all the lakes. The species breeds in sandy nearshore areas and nurses its young in shallow vegetated nearshore areas. Unfortunately, these areas are exposed to environmental degradation and fishing malpractices. The fishery of Ngege are regulated through a minimum size at harvest of 28 cm (11 inches) TL (Republic of Uganda, 2002, 2010) and the minimum size of gill nets of 102-127mm (4-5 inches) depending on the lake. However, because of its preference for shallow water habitats, it is exposed to illegal types of gears including beach seines, monofilament nets, cast nets, and beating water. 3.6.2.3 Managing the Ngege fishery 3.6.2.4 Managing the fishery of other commercially fish important species The fisheries of Uganda are open access. Fishing capacity is controlled only through licencing but the suitable number of licenses that should be issued on each lake is not known and there is no regulation to control fishing capacity on individual lakes. Consequently, the fishing capacity has continued to increase with increasing human populations even when catches decline which threatens the sustainability of the fish stocks (Table 5). There are international (FAO 2008) and regional (LVFO, 2007b) plans of action for controlling fishing capacity that guide the control of fishing capacity. There is however no information on the appropriate fishing capacity for each lake and fish species in each lake. 3.6.3 Regulating fishing capacity a) Trends in production in different lakes will be determined to guide licensing; b) Minimum size at harvest of 50 cm will be enforced; c) Established efforts in post-harvest handling and marketing will be sustained; d) Quality of Mputa by products will be improved for local consumption, and; e) The export of fish maws will be regulated. 36 a) The appropriate number of boats and nets per boat will be determined and a regulation to control capacity on each lake developed; b) The appropriate number of boats and nets per boat on each lake will be licensed, and; c) A digital system and database will be developed for registration and monitoring of fishing capacity Lake Number of boats and year Victoria 15,544 (2000) 16,775 (2004) 23,446 (2008) 27,971 (2012) 30,390 (2016) Kyoga 4,045 (1991) 6,501 (1997) 6,462 (2002) 8,405 (2008) 10,882 (2013) Albert 5,764 (2007) 6,216 (2012) 8,672 (2016) 9,781(2018) Edward 19 299 (2018) 320 (2021) Wamala 450 (1965) 53 4 614 (2012) Year Gillnets < 5 inches seines <5 mm Hooks >10 Monofilament nets Beach/boat seines Cast nets 2004 56,246 867 845 954 659 2006 66,577 1,467 604,561 1,563 1,425 631 2008 76,908 1,785 1,106,341 11,203 1,649 1,000 2010 66,532 2,446 1,169,807 12,115 1,451 1,095 2012 59,585 3,107 2,892,575 15,148 1,233 1,372 2014 53,708 5,631 3,737,273 21,793 1,819 1,359 2016 51,703 5,685 3,998,352 31,876 1,968 1,342 Table 5. The changes in fishing capacity (number of boats on major lakes in Uganda) Table 6. The number of illegal fishing gear on the Ugandan side of Lake Victoria between 2004 and 2016 Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing especially the use of illegal fishing gear and methods, un-licensed fishing operations, and capture of immature fish have persisted on Ugandan lakes as demonstrated by the number of illegal gear on Lake Victoria (Table 6). This has been the main focus of enforcement which has mainly been top-down by government agencies with no involvement of SSFFW and is currently spearheaded by an armed Fisheries Protection Force FPU of military personnel. This has ended up in a cat-and-mouse game. Although the use of force has, in some cases reduced illegalities, it is not sustainable, does not address the rights of fishermen, and has been abused by enforcement agencies which has put them in conflict and led to suffering and exploitation of SSFFW. This has eroded commitment of SSFFW to promoting sustainable exploitation of the fish stocks. Section 13 of The Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023 provides for the establishment of a fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) Unit to enforce compliance with the provisions of the Act within a co-management set up. The International (FAO 2001) and regional (LVFO 2004) plans of action for combating IUU recommend that MCS should be participatory and involve all stakeholders. 3.6.4 Combating Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing a) The appropriate number of boats and nets per boat will be determined with involvement of the specific LMO and a regulation to control capacity on each lake developed; b) The appropriate number of boats and nets per boat on each lake will be licensed, and; c) A digital system and database will be developed for registration and monitoring of fishing capacity 37 Fish is one of the most traded commodities in Uganda. Mputa is traded to international markets including the EU, Middle East, South East Asia, the USA and their export value chain is well documented. SPS are traded locally and regionally (DRC, Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa) with Tilapia and other species consumed locally. Market channels and infrastructure for Mputa are well known and developed except for fish maws. However, market channels and infrastructure for SPS which currently form the bulk of the fish landed are not well defined and developed to enable traders to optimise benefits from their trade. 3.6.6 Improving trade and market systems a) Post-harvest fisheries technologies for SPS will be reviewed and up-scaled; b) Post-harvest infrastructure for SPS will be provided; and; c) Existing Fish Quality Assurance rules will be enforced in respect of SPS a) Information on profitable markets will be mobilised and shared. and; b) Appropriate markets especially for SPS will be developed while ensuring that it does not negatively impact local consumption. 3.7 Strategic objective VII: Providing enabling supportive services Enabling support services to be provided will include: a) Information, knowledge and skills; b) Appropriate policies, laws, regulations, and guidelines; c) Capacity i. Infrastructure; ii Institautions; iii. Human resources, and; iv. Funding. Fish is a highly perishable commodity due to high level of unsaturated fats, large amounts of non- protein nitrogen compounds, less connective tissue, and high intercellular moisture levels. A number of technologies to reduce spoilage and improve handling and processing have been developed but have not been widely disseminated and adopted. Consequently, different types of loses (physical, quality, nutritional, and economic) have persisted. Most of the loss is due to physical and quality loss which culminates into a financial loss. A study of the Mukene fishery (Masette pers com) indicated that the physical loss was 4.2% during the low harvest and 7.9% during the high harvest season with financial losses estimated at UGX 42,000 and UGX 64,000 respectively per ton. The quality loss was 22% and 61% during low and high seasons, with very high financial losses estimated at UGX 520,000 and UGX 1,867,000 per ton during low and high seasons respectively. The available fish quality management facilities and enforcement in Uganda mainly target Mputa for exports but SPS which form the bulk (57.1%) of fish catches have limited fish quality management infrastructure, are poorly handled and processed, quality standards are hardly enforced, and lack trade and market information. There are international (WTO, 2013), regional (EAC, 2013), and national (Republic of Ugandan 2011) sanitary and phytosanitary instruments and Uganda has Fish quality assurance rules (Republic of Uganda 2008). However, enforcement of the Fish (Quality Assurance) Rules have mainly targeted the Mputa export industry. Some guidelines for handling SPS have been developed but have not been harmonized and implemented due to lack of infrastructure, skills and awareness creation. Several products of SPS have also been developed but have not been up scaled. 3.6.5 Reducing post-harvest fish losses, adding value and utilization 38 Information will be required to improve knowledge and skills of different players. There are areas where the required information is inadequate and will need to be collected. Some of the required information is available in research institutions but needs to be mobilized, packaged and disseminated. The SSFFW will need to collect some of the information they require themselves. There is need to identify places from which information can be accessed and to establish systems for sharing information. 3.7.1 Providing information, knowledge and skills Uganda has legal instruments to guide management of the fish habitat and fisheries under fisheries, environment and water and has enacted the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023. There are policies and legal instruments that have been developed at global, continental, and regional levels to which Uganda is a signatory which can be customized and applied to guide sustainable development of fisheries resources in Uganda in areas where regulations may be lacking or inadequate at national level to address the thematic areas in the NPOA-SSF. Examples of these have are summarized in Annex III. There is, however, limited awareness of the laws and regulations. Some of the regulations are obsolete and need improvement and there are high priority areas such as SPS, post-harvest and trade, and LMOs that lack supporting regulations. The capacity to be provided will be: a) Institutional; b) Infrastructure and inputs; c) Human resources, and; d) Funding 3.7.2 Providing appropriate policies, laws and regulations 3.7.3 Providing capacity a) SSFFW will be sensitized on the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023 and related regulations; b) An extensive review of the fisheries policy, regulations, and guidelines will be undertaken to identify gaps in legal instruments; c) Obsolete regulations will be identified, reviewed and improved, and; d) Legal instruments will be developed in high priority areas such as SPS, post-harvest, trade and LMOs in consultation with SSFFW to ensure their interests are covered a) Information will be generated and status reports on fisheries, environment and sex-aggregated socio- economic factors for each lake prepared and shared; b) SSFFW will be trained to collect management information using systems such the e-CAS; c) Information will be packaged and disseminated in popular versions and local languages; d) Centers of excellence for information access will be identified and used; e) Online systems for accessing information will be established; f) Fora for sharing information through platforms like WhatsApp and fisheries radio/TV programs will be established for specific communities, and; g) Workshops and training will be conducted to improve knowledge and skills. The Competent Authority in development and management of fisheries resources in Uganda is the Directorate of Fisheries Resources (DFR) in the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). Management of shared lakes is under local government and will in the context of NPOA-SSF be through lake management organizations whose lowest management unit is the fish landing. There are NGOs and CBOs involved in development and management of fisheries resources. These institutions are 3.7.3.1 Providing institutional capacity 38 Information will be required to improve knowledge and skills of different players. There are areas where the required information is inadequate and will need to be collected. Some of the required information is available in research institutions but needs to be mobilized, packaged and disseminated. The SSFFW will need to collect some of the information they require themselves. There is need to identify places from which information can be accessed and to establish systems for sharing information. 3.7.1 Providing information, knowledge and skills Uganda has legal instruments to guide management of the fish habitat and fisheries under fisheries, environment and water and has enacted the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023. There are policies and legal instruments that have been developed at global, continental, and regional levels to which Uganda is a signatory which can be customized and applied to guide sustainable development of fisheries resources in Uganda in areas where regulations may be lacking or inadequate at national level to address the thematic areas in the NPOA-SSF. Examples of these have are summarized in Annex III. There is, however, limited awareness of the laws and regulations. Some of the regulations are obsolete and need improvement and there are high priority areas such as SPS, post-harvest and trade, and LMOs that lack supporting regulations. The capacity to be provided will be: a) Institutional; b) Infrastructure and inputs; c) Human resources, and; d) Funding 3.7.2 Providing appropriate policies, laws and regulations 3.7.3 Providing capacity a) SSFFW will be sensitized on the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023 and related regulations; b) An extensive review of the fisheries policy, regulations, and guidelines will be undertaken to identify gaps in legal instruments; c) Obsolete regulations will be identified, reviewed and improved, and; d) Legal instruments will be developed in high priority areas such as SPS, post-harvest, trade and LMOs in consultation with SSFFW to ensure their interests are covered a) Information will be generated and status reports on fisheries, environment and sex-aggregated socio- economic factors for each lake prepared and shared; b) SSFFW will be trained to collect management information using systems such the e-CAS; c) Information will be packaged and disseminated in popular versions and local languages; d) Centers of excellence for information access will be identified and used; e) Online systems for accessing information will be established; f) Fora for sharing information through platforms like WhatsApp and fisheries radio/TV programs will be established for specific communities, and; g) Workshops and training will be conducted to improve knowledge and skills. The Competent Authority in development and management of fisheries resources in Uganda is the Directorate of Fisheries Resources (DFR) in the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). Management of shared lakes is under local government and will in the context of NPOA-SSF be through lake management organizations whose lowest management unit is the fish landing. There are NGOs and CBOs involved in development and management of fisheries resources. These institutions are 3.7.3.1 Providing institutional capacity 39 a) Existing human resources will be assessed, reorganized, mobilized and strengthened, and; b) The public and private sector players will be mobilized to provide the required human resources and their capacity improved where necessary. There are public and private sector players in fisheries management, research and training at national and to a limited extent at local government, and community levels. There are NGOs and CBOs operating in the fisheries sector. Human resource will be required to ensure that the interventions identified in the NPOA-SSF have appropriate personnel to address them. The capacity of implementing institutions identified under the proposed governance and implementation structure will need re-organization and strengthening. The fisheries sector is poorly funded despite being the second most important agricultural commodity after coffee. The sector has received support from development partners but this has been sporadic and cannot not sustain the interventions identified in the NPOA-SSF. The sector has the capacity to generate its own revenue and there have been efforts to do so but no acceptable justification has been provided to the government. The NPOA-SSF has been designed to address existing development plans of government in relation to capture fisheries and can therefore be accommodated in plans of government and development partners. 3.7.3.3 Providing human resources 3.7.3.4 Developing sustainable funding mechanisms a) A donor’s conference will be convened to raise funds to kick-start NPOA-SSF; b) Modalities will be developed to include the interventions in the NPOA-SSF in plans and budgets of local and central governments, and development partners, and; c) An appropriate system will be developed to generate local revenue from within fisheries. a) Existing infrastructure will be assessed and strengthened and; b) Infrastructure will be provided to support the newly established governance system. There is some infrastructure such as building and landing sites and inputs including land and water transport, office and laboratory facilities within the existing national, local government and private sector institutions that are currently used to address different activities along the value chain but these are not well distributed within and across systems and are in many cases lacking. Additional infrastructure and inputs will be required to enable the newly established governance system to undertake the interventions defined in the NPOA-SSF. 3.7.3.2 Providing infrastructure and inputs a) Existing public and private sector institution will be mobilized and strengthened, and networked to implement NPOA-SSF; b) An elaborate institutional structure with well-defined functions will be designed to cover the interventions identified in NPOA-SSF. not well linked, the roles at different levels not well defined, and the capacity not adequate to address the interventions identified in the NPOA-SSF. 40 3.8 Strategic objective VIII: Implementation Support will be provided to facilitate effective implementation of NPOA-SSF through: a) Establishing implementation mechanisms; b) Establishing a monitoring and evaluation system, and; c) Providing for sustainability. Implementation of the of NPOA-SSF will be through the mandated institution under the overall coordination of Directorate of Fisheries Resources (DFR), local government institutions, NGOs and CBOs. After establishment of LMOs and the co-management systems, modalities will be developed for these institutions to work together with established public and private sector institutions to implement the NPOA-SSF on each lake and to network at different levels of governance up to the national and where necessary regional levels. 3.8.1 Establishing implementation mechanisms a) A coordination system of public, private sector institutions and LMOs will be established from the landing site to national level; b) Regional fisheries offices will be re-established as provided in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023; c) The NPOA-SSF will be disseminated widely and it implementation promoted; d) Project proposals, work plans and budgets will be prepared, and; e) The institutions defined in the implementation matrix will be engaged to implement designated interventions. The monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system will, as in the case of implementation be built around the existing public and private sector institutions involved in coordinating and implementation and those addressing specific thematic/interventions areas of the NPOA-SSF defined in the monitoring and evaluation matrix of the NPOA-SSF. These institutions will review the set targets periodically and adjust them appropriately. The NPOA-SSF was designed in line with national development plans including Vision 2040, NDPIII, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy Implementation Strategy and Action Plan, and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023. The only major new area is to promotes human rights, visibility and participation of SSFFW in these development plans. Sustainability of plan will therefore be through existing systems. 3.8.2 Establishing a monitoring and evaluation system 3.8.3 Providing for sustainability a) An M&E system will be established at national, LMO and lower levels of implementation of NPOA-SSF and the experiences and lessons shared from the landing sites to national levels; b) The deliverable identified in the monitoring and evaluation matrix will be reviewed, monitored and evaluated at an agreed frequency. a) Local, national, development partners, NGOs, and CBOs players in fisheries will be sensitized to use NPOA-SSF as a framework for planning capture fisheries development in Uganda, and; b) Efforts will be made to set-up a self-support system within the established governance system. 41 The implementation mechanism of the NPOA-SSF will consist of: a) Implementation, and; b) Monitoring and evaluation 4.1 Implementation 4.2 Monitoring and evaluation The interventions identified in Section 3.0 for each thematic area under the eight strategic objectives are summarised in implementation matrices (Tables 7-14) with field indicating the: Thematic area; Issue; Intervention; Activities; Deliverable; Timeframe; Actors, and Budget. The NPOA-SSF will be implemented according to these implementation matrices. However, most of the thematic areas under the strategic area of human rights principles cut across the other strategic areas and the implementation plan only provided for sensitization and preparation of standard operating procedures under this strategic area, The deliverables for the different interventions for each thematic area have been summarised in a Monitoring and evaluation matrices (Tables 15-21) with field indicating the: Thematic areas, the Deliverable (from the implementation matrix): Means of verification; Lead institutions; and Timeframe. This will form the basin of monitoring and evaluation a) Interventions identified for each thematic area under each strategic objective will be implemented by the actors identified in the implementation matrix. b The actors will prepare more detailed work plans to address the designated interventions. a) Monitoring and evaluation will be undertaken at the different levels of governance by the actors and lead institutions responsible for the different interventions as defined in the implementation matrix. b The deliverables for the different interventions will be reviewed, monitored, and evaluated periodically based on the monitoring and evaluation matrix of the interventions under the different strategic objectives with fields as in the implementation matrix. 4.0 | Implementation mechanisms 42 4. 3 Im pl em en ta tio n m at rix fo r t he in te rv en tio ns . Ta bl e 7. S tra te gi c ob je ct iv e I. Re co gn is in g hu m an ri gh ts a nd re sp on si bi lit ie s Th em at ic a re a Is su es In te rv en tio ns 1. 1. H um an ri gh ts a nd di gn ity Th er e ar e hu m an ri gh ts a bu se s of S SF FW in cl ud in g ha ra ss m en t, ex to rt io ns , b rib es , b ru ta l a rre st , t or tu re , im pr is on m en t, co nfi sc at io n an d re sa le o f g ea r a nd fi sh b y la w en fo rc em en t a ge nc ie s. Th e ru le o f l aw w ill b e pr om ot ed a nd th os e w ho a bu se h um an ri gh ts w ill b e he ld a cc ou nt ab le th ro ug h en fo rc em en t o f e xi st in g la w s an d re gu la tio ns . 1. 2. Re sp ec t o f c ul tu re Th er e w er e cu ltu ra l n or m s of fi sh er s su ch a s go ve rn an ce sy st em o f G ab un ga s an d m an ag em en t s ys te m s b ut th es e ha ve d im in is he d an d ar e no lo ng er re co gn iz ed a nd a pp lie d. Tr ad iti on al n or m s an d pr ac tic es , o f fi sh in g co m m un iti es s uc h as th e go ve rn an ce s ys te m o f G ab un ga s an d tra di tio na l m an ag em en t s ys te m s w ill b e id en tifi ed a nd a pp ro pr ia te o ne s pr om ot ed 1. 3. N o di sc rim in at io n Th er e is d is cr im in at io n es pe ci al ly o f l es s ad va nt ag ed g ro up s in a cc es si ng fi sh er ie s ba se d on in flu en ce a nd e co no m ic a bi lit y St an da rd o pe ra tio n pr oc ed ur es (S O Ps ) t ha t e lim in at e di sc rim in at io n in fis he rie s an d em po w er th e vu ln er ab le w ill b e de ve lo pe d an d ap pl ie d 1. 4. G en de r e qu al ity Th er e ar e so ci o- cu ltu ra l f ac to rs th at m ak e it di ffi cu lt fo r w om en a nd m en to p ar tic ip at e eq ua lly in a ll fis he rie s ac tiv iti es . Th is h as le d to a re as s uc h as fi sh in g be in g do m in at ed b y m en a nd fi sh p ro ce ss in g an d m ar ke tin g by w om en G en de r e qu al ity w ill b e pr om ot ed b y co ns id er in g ge nd er in a ll in te rv en tio ns o f t he N PO A- SS F an d ba la nc in g su pp or t i n ar ea s w he re m en a nd w om en h av e co m pa ra tiv e ad va nt ag e 1. 5. Eq ui ty a nd eq ua lit y Th er e is u n- pr op or tio na l a cq ui si tio n an d al lo ca tio n of ri gh ts su ch a s lic en se s to w ea lth ie r a nd m or e in flu en tia l a ct or s SO Ps th at p ro vi de fo r e qu ity a nd ra tio na liz e ac ce ss to fi sh er ie s by a ll st ak eh ol de rs e sp ec ia lly lo ca l c om m un iti es a nd th e vu ln er ab le w ill b e de ve lo pe d an d ap pl ie d 1. 6. Co ns ul ta tio n an d pa rt ic ip at io n Th e SS FF W a re n ot a de qu at el y co ns ul te d in fo rm ul at io n of po lic ie s, la w s, re gu la tio ns , g ui de lin es a nd o th er is su es th at af fe ct th ei r o pe ra tio ns An in cl us iv e bo tto m -u p ap pr oa ch in vo lv in g SS FF W w ill b e ap pl ie d in fo rm ul at io n of p ol ic ie s, la w s an d re gu la tio ns , a nd in a dd re ss in g ke y fis he rie s is su e. 1. 7. Ru le o f l aw Th er e is in ad eq ua te a w ar en es s an d so m et im es m is - in te rp re ta tio n of la w s an d re gu la tio ns , p er si st en ce o f o bs ol et e la w s, s el ec tiv e ap pl ic at io n of la w s an d re gu la tio ns , a nd ap pl ic at io n of la w s w hi ch d o no t e xi st s Aw ar en es s of la w s an d re gu la tio ns w ill b e in cr ea se d, o bs ol et e la w s re vi ew ed a nd im pr ov ed , a nd o nl y ex is tin g la w s ap pl ie d an d eq ua lly to al l s ta ke ho ld er s 1. 8. Tr an sp ar en cy Th er e is in ad eq ua te tr an sp ar en cy a m on g st ak eh ol de rs in pr oc es se s an d pr oc ed ur es Al l p ro ce ss es a nd p ro ce du re s af fe ct in g SS FF W w ill b e un de rt ak en in a tra ns pa re nt a nd in cl us iv e m an ne r. 1. 9. Ac co un ta bi lit y Th er e is li m ite d ac co un ta bi lit y by th e di ff er en t p la ye rs St ak eh ol de rs w ill b e he ld a cc ou nt ab le fo r t he ir ac tio ns in li ne w ith ex is tin g po lic ie s, la w s, a nd re gu la tio ns 43 Th em at ic a re a Is su es In te rv en tio ns 1. 10 . Ec on om ic s oc ia l en vi ro nm en t an d re so ur ce su st ai na bi lit y Th er e is d eg en er at io n in s oc ia l, ec on om ic , e nv iro nm en ta l, an d re so ur ce s su st ai na bi lit y N PO A- SS F ha s be en d es ig ne d so a s to p ro m ot e so ci al , e co no m ic , en vi ro nm en ta l a nd re so ur ce s us ta in ab ili ty 1. 11 . H ol is tic a nd in te gr at ed ap pr oa ch Th er e is in ad eq ua te c on si de ra tio n of a ll co m po ne nt s of th e ec os ys te m in d ev el op m en t o f fi sh er ie s re so ur ce s Al l r el ev an t c om po ne nt s of th e ec os ys te m w ill b e co ns id er ed in de ve lo pm en t a nd m an ag em en t o f fi sh er ie s re so ur ce s in li ne w ith th e Ec os ys te m A pp ro ac h to F is he rie s an d th e Bl ue e co no m y St ra te gy a nd Ac tio n pl an 1. 12 . So ci al re sp on si bi lit y Th er e is in ad eq ua te c on si de ra tio ns o f o th er s ta ke ho ld er s in de ve lo pm en t a nd m an ag em en t o f fi sh er ie s Th e ne ed s of a ll st ak eh ol de rs w ill b e co ns id er ed in d ev el op m en t a nd m an ag em en t o f fi sh er ie s re so ur ce s 1. 13 . So ci al a nd ec on om ic v ia bi lit y So ci al , e co no m ic , e nv iro nm en ta l, an d re so ur ce s vi ab ili ty is so m et im es n ot c on si de re d in c on se rv at io n an d de ve lo pm en t of fi sh er ie s re so ur ce s So ci al , e co no m ic , a nd e nv iro nm en ta l v ia bi lit y of th e fis he rie s re so ur ce s w ith b e co ns id er ed b ef or e th ei r e xp lo ita tio n Ta bl e 8. S tra te gi c ob je ct iv e II. O rg an is in g go ve rn an ce s ys te m s Th em at ic a re a Is su es In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG - M 2. 1. O rg an iz in g te nu re La ck o f o rg an iz at io n to c oo rd in at e m an ag em en t o f in di vi du al la ke s Fo rm a L ak e M an ag em en t O rg an iz at io n (L M O ) o n ea ch la ke Pr ep ar e gu id el in es an d fo rm o ne LM O o n ea ch la ke An L M O o n ea ch la ke Yr 1 DF R, L G , SS FF W 21 ,5 08 Pr ov id e la nd fo r l an di ng si te in fr as tr uc tu re Ac qu ire la nd fo r l an di ng s ite in fr as tr uc tu re La nd fo r fi sh er ie s in fr as tr uc tu re Co nt in uo us DF R, L G , LM O 2. 2. O rg an iz in g st ak eh ol de rs Li m ite d or ga ni za tio n an d en ga ge m en t o f st ak eh ol de rs De ve lo p a da ta ba se o f st ak eh ol de rs a nd th ei r ro le s in fi sh er ie s St ak eh ol de r an al ys is a nd de te rm in e th ei r ro le s Da ta ba se o f st ak eh ol de rs a nd th ei r r ol es W ith in Y r1 DF R, L M O s LG . N G O s, SS FF W 50 44 Th em at ic a re a Is su es In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG - M In ad eq ua te or ga ni za tio n of ca te go rie s of st ak eh ol de rs a t di ff er ed le ve ls o f go ve rn an ce Pr om ot e fo rm at io n of st ak eh ol de r g ro up s in pr io rit y ar ea s of th e N PO A- SS F an d ne tw or k ea ch ca te go ry fr om g ra ss -ro ot to n at io na l l ev el s Fo rm s ta ke ho ld er gr ou ps in s el ec te d th em at ic a re as St ak eh ol de r gr ou ps fo rm ed in ke y th em at ic a re as W ith in 2 Y rs DF R, L G , LM O, SS FF W 48 0 2. 3. Pr om ot in g cu ltu ra l no rm s La ck o f r ec og ni tio n of tr ad iti on al le ad er s an d tra di tio na l n or m s of S SF FW Pr om ot e tra di tio na l le ad er s an d tra di tio na l a nd cu ltu ra l n or m s Id en tif y tra di tio na l le ad er s an d tra di tio na l an d cu ltu ra l no rm s th ei r ad va nt ag es a nd di sa dv an ta ge s Tr ad iti on le ad er s an d be ne fic ia l tra di tio ns n or m s W ith in Y r1 DF R, L G , LM O, SS FF W 50 2. 4. Es ta bl is hm en t co - m an ag em en t La ck o f c o- m an ag em en t s ys te m fo llo w in g ab ol iti on o f BM Us Fo rm a nd o pe ra tio na liz e an in cl us iv e co - m an ag em en t s ys te m Pr ep ar e gu id el in es fo r e st ab lis hi ng a co -m an ag em en t sy st em . Co -m an ag em en t gu id el in es W ith in Y r1 DF R, LM O s, L G , Ju di ci ar y 50 Es ta bl is h co - m an ag em en t in st itu tio ns Co -m an ag em en t in st itu tio ns W ith in 2 Y ea rs DF R, L G , LM O 18 00 2. 5. Pr om ot in g as so ci at io ns In ad eq ua te as so ci at io ns a nd lim ite d ne tw or ki ng to in cr ea se c ol le ct iv e vo ic e Su pp or t, an d ne tw or k as so ci at io ns to th e na tio na l l ev el to p ro vi de fo r a s tro ng er v oi ce . Id en tif y, pr io rit iz e an d fo rm as so ci at io ns N um be r o f as so ci at io ns id en tifi ed W ith in Y rs 1 DF R, L M O s LG , S SF FW 30 Su pp or t S SF FW to fo rm a ss oc ia tio ns N um be r o f as so ci at io n fo rm ed a nd ne tw or ke d W ith in 2 Y rs DF R, L M O s LG , S SF FW 18 0 45 Ta bl e 9. S tra te gi c ob je ct iv e III . P ro m ot in g so ci o- ec on om ic d ev el op m en t Th em e Is su es In te rv en tio ns Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et 3. 1. Po ve rt y re du ct io n In ad eq ua te s oc ia l m ob ili za tio n an d liv el ih oo d di ve rs ifi ca tio n So ci al m ob ili za tio n, liv el ih oo d di ve rs ifi ca tio n an d ta pp in g in to go ve rn m en t p ro gr am s w ith a fo cu s on s oc ia l pr ot ec tio n (P DM , M yo ga ) Id en tif y an d pr om ot e so ci al m ob ili za tio n, re gi st er in g fis he rs in to s oc ia l r eg is tr ie s an d de ve lo pi ng a lte rn at iv e liv el ih oo d op tio ns fo r fi sh er s Im pr ov ed kn ow le dg e an d ap pl ic at io n of liv el ih oo d op tio ns an d ac ce ss to go ve rn m en t pr og ra m s Co nt in uo us LM O, CD O s 25 0, 00 0 Li m ite d bu si ne ss sk ill s an d po or s av in g cu ltu re Bu ild c ap ac ity in bu si ne ss s ki lls , sa vi ng s an d fin an ci al m an ag em en t Un de rt ak e tra in in g in bu si ne ss s ki lls a nd d ev el op sa vi ng s ch em es Im pr ov ed s ki lls in bu si ne ss s av in gs cu ltu re Co nt in uo us LM O, CD O s 3, 00 0 3. 2. Im pr ov in g so ci o- se rv ic es In ad eq ua te g en er al so ci o- ec on om ic se rv ic es s uc h as sc ho ol s, h ea lth fa ci lit ie s, b an ks Ad vo ca te fo r i nc lu si on of s oc io -e co no m ic se rv ic es th at ta rg et SS FF W n ee ds in p la ns of g ov er nm en t, an d de ve lo pm en t p ar tn er s Id en tif y pr io rit y so ci o- ec on om ic s er vi ce s an d ad vo ca te fo r t he ir in cl us io n in d ev el op m en t p ro gr am s Pr io rit y so ci o- ec on om ic s er vi ce in co rp or at ed in g ov er nm en t pr og ra m s An nu al ly LG , L M O, N G O s 25 0 In ad eq ua te fi sh er ie s fa ci lit ie s su ch a s la nd in g si te s an d fis h pr oc es si ng fa ci lit ie s Pr ov id e so m e so ci o- ec on om ic s er vi ce s th ro ug h se lf- su pp or t sy st em s M ob ili ze S SF FW to p ro vi de so m e so ci o- ec on om ic se rv ic es th ro ug h se lf- su pp or t s ys te m s N um be r o f p rio rit y so ci o- ec on om ic se rv ic es s up po rt ed An nu al ly LG , L M O, N G O s 3, 00 0 3. 3. Ad dr es si ng H IV /A ID s, Bi lh ar zi a an d co m m on di se as es o f fis he rs H ig h pr ev al en ce o f H IV /A ID S, B ilh ar zi a, an d m al ar ia a m on g SS FF W In cr ea se a w ar en es s te st in g an d tre at m en t ag ai ns t H IV /A ID S, bi lh ar zi a , m al ar ia o th er co m m on w at er re la te d di se as es a m on g fis he rs W or k w ith le ad a ge nc ie s to in cr ea se a w ar en es s, pr ev en tio n, a nd tr ea tm en t In cr ea se in aw ar en es s an d ac es s to tr ea tm en t fa ci lit ie s Co nt in uo us H ea lth se rv ic e pr ov id er s, N G O s 11 0 3. 4. Pr om ot in g ge nd er e qu al ity So ci al c ul tu ra l f ac to rs th at m ak e it di ffi cu lt fo r w om en a nd m en to p ar tic ip at e eq ua lly in a ll fis he rie s ac tiv iti es Co ns id er g en de r i n al l i nt er ve nt io ns a nd ba la nc e su pp or t i n ar ea s w he re m en an d w om en h av e co m pa ra tiv e ad va nt ag e As se ss g en de r s pe ci fic re qu ire m en ts w ith in fi sh er ie s In fo rm at io n an d da ta o n ge nd er s pe ci fic re qu ire m en t W ith in Y r1 DF R, L G , LM O s, N G O s 30 0 46 Th em e Is su es In te rv en tio ns Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et Co nd uc t g en de r tra ns fo rm at iv e tra in in g In cr ea se in th e nu m be r o f s ki lle d w om en a nd y ou th s An nu al ly DF R, L G , LM O, F TI s N G O s, 24 0 Pr ov id e se le ct ed in pu ts fo r fis hi ng a nd p os t-h ar ve st ha nd lin g fo r w om en a nd yo ut hs In cr ea se in in pu t fo r g en de r-s pe ci fic ac tiv iti es An nu al ly DF R, L G , N G O s 22 ,5 00 3. 5. In te gr at in g bl ue e co no m y in ve st m en ts In ad eq ua te kn ow le dg e of bl ue e co no m y in ve st m en ts Un de rt ak e sp at ia l pl an ni ng fo r b lu e ec on om y ac tiv iti es su ch a s sa nd m in in g Un de rt ak e sp at ia l p la nn in g of k ey b lu e ec on om y in ve st m en t Sp at ia l p la ns o f bl ue e co no m y in ve st m en ts Co nt in uo us LG , L M O s, Bl ue ec on om y in ve st or s 30 0 Li m ite d ex pl oi ta tio n of o pp or tu ni tie s an d th re at s of th e bl ue ec on om y Ad vo ca te fo r b lu e ec on om y in ve st m en ts to p ro vi de s el ec te d so ci o- ec on om ic se rv ic es So ci o- ec on om ic s er vi ce s th at b lu e ec on om y in ve st m en ts c an p ro vi de SS FF W So ci o- ec on om ic se rv ic es s up po rt ed th ro ug h bl ue ec on om y in ve st m en ts An nu al ly LG , L M O, Pr iv at e Se ct or 18 0 Po si tiv e an d ne ga tiv e im pa ct s on liv el ih oo ds o f S SF FW an d th e fis he rie s As se ss o pp or tu ni tie s an d th re at s of b lu e ec on om y in ve st m en ts to th e fis he rs a nd fis he rie s As se ss o pp or tu ni tie s an d th re at s of b lu e ec on om y in ve st m en ts a nd e ns ur e th at th os e re qu iri ng E SI A un de rt ak e it Ex is tin g th re at s an d op po rt un iti es of b lu e ec on om y in ve st m en ts O nc e LG , L M O, In ve st or s 18 0 Cr os s cu tti ng is su es su ch a s m ar iti m e ac ci de nt s re qu ire jo in t a ct io ns o f b lu e ec on om y in ve st m en t Ad vo ca te fo r b lu e ec on om y in ve st or s to w or k to ge th er to ad dr es s m ar iti m e se cu rit y an d sa fe ty De ve lo p m od al iti es fo r Co lla bo ra tio n in m ar iti m e se cu rit y Im pr ov em en t i n sa fe ty o n th e la ke An nu al ly LM O 90 0 47 Ta bl e 10 . S tra te gi c ob je ct iv e IV : M an ag in g th e fis h ha bi ta t h ea lth Th em e Is su es In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG X- M i 4. 1. M an ag in g im pa ct s of la nd us e ch an ge In ad eq ua te kn ow le dg e an d ac tio n to ad dr es s im pa ct s of la nd u se ch an ge o n th e he al th o f a qu at ic In cr ea se a w ar en es s on i m pl ic at io ns o f l an d us e ch an ge s on a qu at ic ec os ys te m h ea lth M ob ili ze in fo rm at io n on im pa ct s of la nd us e ch an ge o n aq ua tic ec os ys te m h ea lth In fo rm at io n pa ck ag es Co nt in uo us LG , L M O s, SS FF W , N EM A 1, 20 0 Pr ot ec t c rit ic al fi sh h ab ita ts Id en tif y an d ga ze tte fi sh br ee di ng a nd n ur se ry ar ea s an d bi od iv er si ty ho ts po ts N um be r a nd a re as of g az et te d ar ea s An nu al ly LG , N EM A 36 ,0 00 4. 2. M an ag in g po llu ta nt s an d co nt am in an ts Li m ite d kn ow le dg e on co ns eq ue nc es of p ol lu ta nt s an d on a qu at ic ec os ys te m s an d co ns um er s of aq ua tic p ro du ct s In cr ea se a w ar en es s on po llu ta nt s an d im pl ic at io ns on th e aq ua tic e co sy st em s an d co ns um er s of a qu at ic pr od uc ts a nd o rg an iz e SS FF W to m an ag e po llu ta nt s es pe ci al ly p la st ic s M ob ili ze a nd s ha re in fo rm at io n on p ol lu ta nt s an d co nt am in an ts o f aq ua tic s ys te m s In fo rm at io n pa ck ag es o n m an ag em en t o f po llu ta nt s an d co nt am in an ts Co nt in uo us LG , L M O s, SS FF W , N EM A 1, 20 0 4. 3. Co nt ro lli ng in va si ve w ee ds Pr ol ife ra tio n of in va si ve a qu at ic w ee ds Co nt ro l i nv as iv e aq ua tic w ee ds De te rm in e co ve ra ge a nd m an ag e aq ua tic w ee ds Re du ct io n in co ve ra ge o f aq ua tic w ee ds Co nt in uo us LG , L M O. SS FF W 1, 00 0 48 Ta bl e 11 . S tra te gi c ob je ct iv e V: A pp ly in g la ke p ro du ct iv ity p ot en tia l Th em e Is su es In te rv en tio ns Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et EG X- M i 5. 1. Un de rs ta nd in g an d ap pl yi ng la ke p ro du ct iv ity pr oc es se s In ad eq ua te kn ow le dg e of th e re la tio ns hi p be tw ee n la ke p ro du ct iv ity a nd fis h pr od uc tio n. Pr ov id e in fo rm at io n on h ow la ke p ro du ct iv ity p ro ce ss es de te rm in e fis h pr od uc tio n. Pa ck ag e an d sh ar e in fo rm at io n on th e re la tio ns hi p be tw ee n la ke p ro du ct iv ity a nd fi sh pr od uc tio n. In fo rm at io n on th e re la tio ns hi p be tw ee n la ke pr od uc tiv ity pr oc es se s an d fis h pr od uc tio n O nc e fo r ea ch la ke N AF IR RI 18 0 La ck o f e co sy st em m od el s to p re di ct fis h pr od uc tio n of in di vi du al la ke s Pr ov id e ec os ys te m m od el s fo r p re di ct in g fis h pr od uc tio n of in di vi du al la ke s Pr ep ar e an e co sy st em m od el fo r e ac h la ke fo r p re di ct in g fis h pr od uc tio n N um be r o f l ak es w ith e co sy st em m od el s fo r pr ed ic tin g fis h pr od uc tio n O nc e fo r ea ch la ke N AF IR RI 60 0 5. 2. Pr om ot in g cu ltu re b as ed fis he rie s In ad eq ua te pr od uc tio n es pe ci al ly of s m al l w at er b od ie s De te rm in e ca pa bi lit y an d su ita bi lit y of s m al l w at er bo di es to p ro du ce fi sh Su rv ey p ro du ct io n po te nt ia l o f s m al l w at er bo di es N um be r o f w at er bo di es s ur ve ye d Co nt in uo us N AF IR RI , DF R, L G , LM O s 75 0 Im pr ov in g fis h pr od uc tio n of un pr od uc tiv e w at er bo di es St oc k id en tifi ed c ap ab le a nd su ita bl e w at er b od ie s St oc k id en tifi ed s ui ta bl e w at er b od ie s an d m on ito r p er fo rm an ce N um be r o f w at er bo di es s to ck ed an d qu an tit y of fi sh pr od uc ed An nu al ly N AF IR RI , DF R, L G , LM O 2, 50 0 5. 3. Pr om ot in g di ve rs ifi ca tio n to aq ua cu ltu re H ig h in ve st m en t co st s of a qu ac ul tu re pr od uc tio n Su pp or t S SF FW a tte m pt in g to d iv er si fy e sp ec ia lly to ca ge c ul tu re w ith in pu ts su ch a s co ns tr uc tio n m at er ia ls , s ee d, fe ed , a nd te ch ni ca l s er vi ce s Id en tif y th e fis he rs th at ar e m ak in g ef fo rt s bu t fa ili ng to d iv er si fy to ca ge c ul tu re N um be r o f S SF FW su pp or te d to di ve rs ify to c ag e cu ltu re O nc e 20 Su pp or t fi sh er s w ith in pu t t o di ve rs ify es pe ci al ly c ag e cu ltu re N um be r o f SS FF W s up po rt ed to d iv er si fy to aq ua cu ltu re Co nt in uo us N AF IR RI , DF R. L M O s 1, 50 0 48 Ta bl e 11 . S tra te gi c ob je ct iv e V: A pp ly in g la ke p ro du ct iv ity p ot en tia l Th em e Is su es In te rv en tio ns Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et EG X- M i 5. 1. Un de rs ta nd in g an d ap pl yi ng la ke p ro du ct iv ity pr oc es se s In ad eq ua te kn ow le dg e of th e re la tio ns hi p be tw ee n la ke p ro du ct iv ity a nd fis h pr od uc tio n. Pr ov id e in fo rm at io n on h ow la ke p ro du ct iv ity p ro ce ss es de te rm in e fis h pr od uc tio n. Pa ck ag e an d sh ar e in fo rm at io n on th e re la tio ns hi p be tw ee n la ke p ro du ct iv ity a nd fi sh pr od uc tio n. In fo rm at io n on th e re la tio ns hi p be tw ee n la ke pr od uc tiv ity pr oc es se s an d fis h pr od uc tio n O nc e fo r ea ch la ke N AF IR RI 18 0 La ck o f e co sy st em m od el s to p re di ct fis h pr od uc tio n of in di vi du al la ke s Pr ov id e ec os ys te m m od el s fo r p re di ct in g fis h pr od uc tio n of in di vi du al la ke s Pr ep ar e an e co sy st em m od el fo r e ac h la ke fo r p re di ct in g fis h pr od uc tio n N um be r o f l ak es w ith e co sy st em m od el s fo r pr ed ic tin g fis h pr od uc tio n O nc e fo r ea ch la ke N AF IR RI 60 0 5. 2. Pr om ot in g cu ltu re b as ed fis he rie s In ad eq ua te pr od uc tio n es pe ci al ly of s m al l w at er b od ie s De te rm in e ca pa bi lit y an d su ita bi lit y of s m al l w at er bo di es to p ro du ce fi sh Su rv ey p ro du ct io n po te nt ia l o f s m al l w at er bo di es N um be r o f w at er bo di es s ur ve ye d Co nt in uo us N AF IR RI , DF R, L G , LM O s 75 0 Im pr ov in g fis h pr od uc tio n of un pr od uc tiv e w at er bo di es St oc k id en tifi ed c ap ab le a nd su ita bl e w at er b od ie s St oc k id en tifi ed s ui ta bl e w at er b od ie s an d m on ito r p er fo rm an ce N um be r o f w at er bo di es s to ck ed an d qu an tit y of fi sh pr od uc ed An nu al ly N AF IR RI , DF R, L G , LM O 2, 50 0 5. 3. Pr om ot in g di ve rs ifi ca tio n to aq ua cu ltu re H ig h in ve st m en t co st s of a qu ac ul tu re pr od uc tio n Su pp or t S SF FW a tte m pt in g to d iv er si fy e sp ec ia lly to ca ge c ul tu re w ith in pu ts su ch a s co ns tr uc tio n m at er ia ls , s ee d, fe ed , a nd te ch ni ca l s er vi ce s Id en tif y th e fis he rs th at ar e m ak in g ef fo rt s bu t fa ili ng to d iv er si fy to ca ge c ul tu re N um be r o f S SF FW su pp or te d to di ve rs ify to c ag e cu ltu re O nc e 20 Su pp or t fi sh er s w ith in pu t t o di ve rs ify es pe ci al ly c ag e cu ltu re N um be r o f SS FF W s up po rt ed to d iv er si fy to aq ua cu ltu re Co nt in uo us N AF IR RI , DF R. L M O s 1, 50 0 49 Th em e Is su es In te rv en tio ns Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et EG X- M i 5. 4. Ad dr es si ng im pa ct s of c lim at e va ria bi lit y an d ch an ge Li m ite d kn ow le dg e of th e im pa ct s of cl im at e ch an ge M ob ili ze a nd s ha re in fo rm at io n on th e im pa ct s of c lim at e va ria bi lit y an d ch an ge o n fis h pr od uc tio n an d liv el ih oo ds M ob ili ze a nd s ha re in fo rm at io n on th e im pa ct s of c lim at e ch an ge In fo rm at io n on im pa ct s of c lim at e va ria bi lit y an d ch an ge m ob ili ze d an d sh ar ed O ne ti m e of f N AF IR RI , N G O s 30 0 In ad eq ua te ad ap ta tio n an d m iti ga tio n to c lim at e ch an ge Id en tif y an d su pp or t l oc at io n sp ec ifi c ad ap ta tio n an d m iti ga tio n m ea su re s Id en tif y an d pi lo t lo ca tio n- sp ec ifi c ad ap ta tio n an d m iti ga tio n m ea su re s Ad ap ta tio n an d m iti ga tio n m ea su re s fo r sp ec ifi c lo ca tio ns An nu al ly LG , L M O, N AF IR RI 1, 50 0 In ad eq ua te pr ep ar ed ne ss fo r ca la m iti es a ss oc ia te d w ith c lim at e ch an ge De te rm in e th e ca la m iti es as so ci at ed w ith c lim at e ch an ge s uc h as fl oo ds an d pu t i n pl ac e re m ed ia l m ea su re s Id en tif y an d pr ep ar ed fo r p ot en tia l c al am iti es as so ci at ed w ith c lim at e ch an ge N um be r o f ca la m iti es id en tifi ed a nd ad dr es se d O nc e in 5 yr s LG , L M O s, Le ad ag en ci es 30 0 5. 5. Co ns er vi ng of a qu at ic bi od iv er si ty Bi od iv er si ty lo ss Id en tif y su ita bl e ar ea s fo r a qu at ic b io di ve rs ity co ns er va tio n M ob ili ze in fo rm at io n fo r id en tifi ca tio n of a qu at ic co ns er va tio n ar ea s In fo rm at io n fo r se tti ng u p aq ua tic co ns er va tio n m ob ili ze d An nu al ly N AF IR RI , LG , S SF FW 30 0 La ck o f a qu at ic bi od iv er si ty co ns er va tio n ar ea s an d a sy st em fo r t he ir m an ag em en t Se t u p a qu at ic b io di ve rs ity co ns er va tio n ar ea s w ith co m m un iti es to m an ag e th em Es ta bl is h an d m an ag e at le as t o ne c om m un ity aq ua tic b io di ve rs ity co ns er va tio n ar ea in ea ch L M O a nn ua lly At le as t o ne bi od iv er si ty co ns er va tio n on ea ch la ke e ve ry ye ar Co nt in uo us LG , L M O, SS FF W 1, 50 0 Ta bl e 12 . S tra te gi c ob je ct iv e V: S us ta in in g an d in cr ea si ng fi sh p ro du ct io n, v al ue a nd u til iz at io n Th em e Is su es In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG -M i 6. 1. Su st ai ni ng a nd in cr ea si ng fi sh pr od uc tio n of in di vi du al la ke s La ck o f i nf or m at io n on o pt im al le ve l of p ro du ct io n of in di vi du al la ke s De te rm in e op tim al le ve ls of p ro du ct io n of in di vi du al la ke s fr om p ro du ct io n of in di vi du al fi sh s pe ci es an d pr ep ar e la ke -s pe ci fic m an ag em en t p la ns Un de rt ak e st oc k as se ss m en t, fr am e su rv ey s, C AS , b io lo gi ca l, en vi ro nm en ta l, an d so ci o- ec on om ic s tu di es o n ea ch la ke La ke -s pe ci fic m an ag em en t pl an fo r e ac h la ke O nc e ev er y fiv e ye ar s N AF IR RI , DF R, L G , LM O, SS FF W Co ve re d un de r ot he r ite m s 50 Th em e Is su es In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG -M i 6. 2. Su st ai ni ng an d in cr ea si ng pr od uc tio n of in di vi du al co m m er ci al sp ec ie s La ck o f i nf or m at io n on o pt im al le ve ls of p ro du ct io n of in di vi du al co m m er ci al fi sh sp ec ie s( SP S, M pu ta , N ge ge , A ng ar a M am ba , S em ut un du , M al e, N ga si a, K is in ja an d N ke jje ) i n th e di ff er en t l ak es De te rm in e op tim al le ve ls o f p ro du ct io n of in di vi du al c om m er ci al sp ec ie s on e ac h la ke a nd pr ep ar e a sp ec ie s- sp ec ifi c m an ag em en t p la n fo r e ac h sp ec ie s on e ac h la ke Co lle ct in fo rm at io n an d da ta o n pr od uc tio n le ve ls , bi ol og ic al fa ct or s, h ar ve st in g te ch no lo gi es , p os t-h ar ve st a nd ut ili za tio n, re gu la tio ns Sp ec ie s- sp ec ifi c m an ag em en t pl an fo r in di vi du al sp ec ie s O nc e ev er y fiv e ye ar s N AF IR RI , DF R, L G , LM O, SS FF W Co ve re d un de r ot he r ite m s 6. 2. 1. M an ag em en t pl an fo r S m al l pe la gi c sp ec ie s (S PS ) In ad eq ua te in fo rm at io n on op tim al le ve ls pr od uc tio n De te rm in e op tim al pr od uc tio n le ve ls a nd lic en se m at ch in g ef fo rt De te rm in e op tim al p ro du ct io n le ve ls a nd li ce ns e m at ch in g ef fo rt M an ag em en t pl an fo r e ac h SP S Bi -a nn ua lly LG , L M O, DF R In ap pr op ria te ha rv es tin g te ch no lo gi es a nd ob so le te re gu la tio n De ve lo p ap pr op ria te ha rv es tin g te ch no lo gi es , re vi ew a nd im pr ov e ge ar re gu la tio ns De ve lo p ap pr op ria te te ch no lo gi es fo r h ar ve st in g SP S th at h as li m ite d ha rm o n la rg e sp ec ie s. Ap pr op ria te ge ar a nd re gu la tio n fo r SP S O nc e N AF IR RI , DF R, L M O, 10 0 De ve lo p ap pr op ria te re gu la tio n fo r h ar ve st in g SP S Re gu la tio n ap pr op ria te ge ar fo r ha rv es tin g SP S O nc e N AF IR RI , LM O, SS FF W 50 In ad eq ua te s ki lls an d ad op tio n of p os t-h ar ve st te ch no lo gi es a nd pr od uc ts In cr ea se a w ar en es s an d sk ill s in p os t-h ar ve st ha nd lin g te ch no lo gi es a nd pr od uc ts Un de rt ak e tra in in g an d aw ar en es s in h an dl in g an d pr oc es si ng o f S PS In cr ea se in th e nu m be r of S SF FW w ith s ki lls in pr oc es si ng SP S Co nt in uo us DF R, F TI s 1, 50 0 In ad eq ua te po st -h ar ve st in fr as tr uc tu re Im pr ov e po st -h ar ve st in fr as tr uc tu re Pr ov id e in fr as tr uc tu re s up po rt fo r h an dl in g an d pr oc es si ng SP S Im pr ov ed in fr as tr uc tu re fo r S PS An nu al ly DF R, Pr iv at e se ct or 7, 50 0 50 Th em e Is su es In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG -M i 6. 2. Su st ai ni ng an d in cr ea si ng pr od uc tio n of in di vi du al co m m er ci al sp ec ie s La ck o f i nf or m at io n on o pt im al le ve ls of p ro du ct io n of in di vi du al co m m er ci al fi sh sp ec ie s( SP S, M pu ta , N ge ge , A ng ar a M am ba , S em ut un du , M al e, N ga si a, K is in ja an d N ke jje ) i n th e di ff er en t l ak es De te rm in e op tim al le ve ls o f p ro du ct io n of in di vi du al c om m er ci al sp ec ie s on e ac h la ke a nd pr ep ar e a sp ec ie s- sp ec ifi c m an ag em en t p la n fo r e ac h sp ec ie s on e ac h la ke Co lle ct in fo rm at io n an d da ta o n pr od uc tio n le ve ls , bi ol og ic al fa ct or s, h ar ve st in g te ch no lo gi es , p os t-h ar ve st a nd ut ili za tio n, re gu la tio ns Sp ec ie s- sp ec ifi c m an ag em en t pl an fo r in di vi du al sp ec ie s O nc e ev er y fiv e ye ar s N AF IR RI , DF R, L G , LM O, SS FF W Co ve re d un de r ot he r ite m s 6. 2. 1. M an ag em en t pl an fo r S m al l pe la gi c sp ec ie s (S PS ) In ad eq ua te in fo rm at io n on op tim al le ve ls pr od uc tio n De te rm in e op tim al pr od uc tio n le ve ls a nd lic en se m at ch in g ef fo rt De te rm in e op tim al p ro du ct io n le ve ls a nd li ce ns e m at ch in g ef fo rt M an ag em en t pl an fo r e ac h SP S Bi -a nn ua lly LG , L M O, DF R In ap pr op ria te ha rv es tin g te ch no lo gi es a nd ob so le te re gu la tio n De ve lo p ap pr op ria te ha rv es tin g te ch no lo gi es , re vi ew a nd im pr ov e ge ar re gu la tio ns De ve lo p ap pr op ria te te ch no lo gi es fo r h ar ve st in g SP S th at h as li m ite d ha rm o n la rg e sp ec ie s. Ap pr op ria te ge ar a nd re gu la tio n fo r SP S O nc e N AF IR RI , DF R, L M O, 10 0 De ve lo p ap pr op ria te re gu la tio n fo r h ar ve st in g SP S Re gu la tio n ap pr op ria te ge ar fo r ha rv es tin g SP S O nc e N AF IR RI , LM O, SS FF W 50 In ad eq ua te s ki lls an d ad op tio n of p os t-h ar ve st te ch no lo gi es a nd pr od uc ts In cr ea se a w ar en es s an d sk ill s in p os t-h ar ve st ha nd lin g te ch no lo gi es a nd pr od uc ts Un de rt ak e tra in in g an d aw ar en es s in h an dl in g an d pr oc es si ng o f S PS In cr ea se in th e nu m be r of S SF FW w ith s ki lls in pr oc es si ng SP S Co nt in uo us DF R, F TI s 1, 50 0 In ad eq ua te po st -h ar ve st in fr as tr uc tu re Im pr ov e po st -h ar ve st in fr as tr uc tu re Pr ov id e in fr as tr uc tu re s up po rt fo r h an dl in g an d pr oc es si ng SP S Im pr ov ed in fr as tr uc tu re fo r S PS An nu al ly DF R, Pr iv at e se ct or 7, 50 0 51 Th em e Is su es In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG -M i In ad eq ua te aw ar en es s of th e nu tri tio na l v al ue In cr ea se a w ar en es s of nu tri tio na l v al ue Pa ck ag e an d di ss em in at e in fo rm at io n on th e nu tri tio na l va lu e of S PS In fo rm at io n pa ck ag es o n th e nu tri tio na l va lu e of S PS An nu al ly DF R, N AF IR RI , LG , L M O, N G O s, CB O 50 In ad eq ua te in fo rm at io n on tra de a nd m ar ke ts sy st em s Pr ov id e in fo rm at io n on op tim al tr ad e an d m ar ke ts sy st em s M ob ili ze a nd s ha re m ar ke t in fo rm at io n fo r S PS M ar ke t in fo rm at io n fo r S PS O nc e DF R, N AF IR RI 50 6. 2. 2. M an ag em en t pl an fo r N ile pe rc h Su st ai ni ng N ile pe rc h ca tc he s De te rm in e op tim al le ve ls o f ha rv es t a nd li m it lic en se s Ex am in e tre nd s in c at ch to de te rm in e op tim al le ve ls o f pr od uc tio n O pt im al le ve l of h ar ve st Bi a nn ua l N AF IR RI , DF R, L M O CA S Co m pl ia nc e an d en fo rc em en t o f ex is tin g re gu la tio ns Co m pl y w ith a nd e nf or ce m in im um s iz e at h ar ve st of 5 0 cm , i lle ga l g ea rs a nd m et ho ds En fo rc e m in im um s iz e at ha rv es t o f 5 0 cm Im pr ov em en t in c at ch o f N ile p er ch Q ua rt er ly LG , M CS , LM O M CS Po st -h ar ve st ha nd lin g an d m ar ke tin g Su st ai n es ta bl is he d po st - ha rv es t h an dl in g an d m ar ke tin g sy st em s fo r N ile pe rc h M ai nt ai n ex is tin g fis h ha nd lin g fa ci lit ie s an d ex po rt c ha nn el s N ile p er ch qu al ity fo r ex po rt s su st ai ne d Co nt in uo us DF R, LM O s, In du st ry CA S Un re gu la te d ex po rt of fi sh m aw s Pr ov id e re gu la tio n on ex po rt o f fi sh m aw s De ve lo p re gu la tio ns o n ha nd lin g an d ex po rt o f m aw s Re gu la tio n on th e e xp or t of N ile p er ch m aw s O nc e DF R, Ju di ci ar y 30 0 Ut ili za tio n of b y- pr od uc ts o f N ile pe rc h pr oc es si ng Im pr ov e pr oc es si ng o f N ile pe rc h by p ro du ct s De ve lo p te ch no lo gi es f or im pr ov em en t o f N ile p er ch b y pr od uc ts Te ch no lo gi es fo r im pr ov em en t of N ile p er ch pr od uc ts Co nt in uo us DF R, N AF IR RI , Ac ad em ia 10 0 6. 2. 3. M an ag em en t pl an s fo r N ge ge De cl in e in N ge ge st oc ks a nd c at ch es De te rm in e op tim al le ve ls of h ar ve st a nd c on tro l lic en se s Ex am in e tre nd s in c at ch es fr om C AS d at a O pt im al le ve ls of h ar ve st Bi -a nn ua lly N AF IR RI , DF R, L M O CA S 52 Th em e Is su es In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG -M i Pe rs is te nc e of ill eg al iti es Re du ce m al pr ac tic es En fo rc e m in im um s iz e at ha rv es t o f 2 5 cm a nd o th er m al pr ac tic es Im pr ov em en t in th e ca tc h of N ge ge Q ua rt er ly DF R, L G , LM O M CS De gr ad at io n of ne ar sh or e br ee di ng an d nu rs er y ar ea s of N ge ge Pr ot ec t c rit ic al n ea rs ho re br ee di ng a nd n ur se ry a re as of N ge ge De m ar ca te a nd g az et te br ee di ng a nd n ur se ry a re as fo r pr ot ec tio n N um be r an d ar ea o f pr ot ec te d ar ea s Co nt in uo us DF R, N AF IR RI , LG , L M O Fi sh ha bi ta t 6. 2. 4. M an ag em en t pl an fo r o th er sp ec ie s La ck o f r eg ul at io ns to g ui de e xp lo ita tio n of th e sp ec ie s an d pr ot ec tio n of th ei r ha bi ta ts Av oi d ca pt ur e of im m at ur e in di vi du al s an d p ro te ct cr iti ca l h ab ita ts o f t he sp ec ie s su ch a s w et la nd s G en er at e da ta to g ui de de ve lo pm en t o f a pp ro pr ia te re gu la tio n. St oc ks o f ea ch s pe ci es su st ai ne d Q ua rt er ly DF R, L G , LM O, M CS La ck o f d at a to gu id e de ve lo pm en t of a pp ro pr ia te re gu la tio ns De te rm in e si ze a t fi rs t m at ur ity fo r e ac h sp ec ie s an d pu t i n pl ac e ap pr op ria te re gu la tio n An al yz e av ai la bl e da ta to pr ov id e in fo rm at io n on th e si ze a t fi rs t m at ur ity o f m aj or co m m er ci al s pe ci es Da ta o n si ze a t fi rs t m at ur ity o f co m m er ci al fis h sp ec ie s O nc e N AF IR RI 40 6. 3. Re gu la tin g fis hi ng c ap ac ity La ck o f d at a an d re gu la tio n on th e ap pr op ria te n um be r of fi sh in g bo at s an d ne ts p er b oa t fo r e ac h la ke a nd sp ec ie s De te rm in e th e ap pr op ria te nu m be r o f b oa ts a nd n et s pe r b oa t f or e ac h la ke a nd sp ec ie s De te rm in e th e su ita bl e nu m be r of b oa ts a nd n et s pe r b oa t o n ea ch la ke Th e nu m be r of b oa ts /n et s to o pe ra te on e ac h la ke de te rm in ed An nu al ly N AF IR RI , DF R, L G , LM O 30 0 Pr ep ar e an a pp ro pr ia te re gu la tio n to c on tro l e ff or t o n ea ch la ke Re gu la tio n to co nt ro l fi sh in g ef fo rt O nc e DF R, L G , LM O s, Ju di ci ar y 50 La ck o f i nf or m at io n on th e nu m be r o f lic en se s to s ho ul d be is su ed o n ea ch la ke a nd fi sh s pe ci es Li ce ns e th e su ita bl e nu m be r of b oa ts a nd n et s pe r b oa t fo r e ac h fis h sp ec ie s on ea ch la ke Li ce ns e th e su ita bl e nu m be r o f bo at s on e ac h la ke Th e ap pr op ria te nu m be r o f bo at s on e ac h la ke li ce ns ed An nu al ly DF R. L G , LM O 1, 50 0 53 Th em e Is su es In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG -M i La ck o f a s ys te m fo r r eg is tra tio n an d m on ito rin g of fi sh in g ca pa ci ty Es ta bl is h a di gi ta l sy st em a nd d at ab as e fo r re gi st ra tio n an d m on ito rin g of fi sh in g ca pa ci ty De ve lo p a da ta ba se a nd m ai nt ai n a di gi ta l r eg is tra tio n an d da ta c ol le ct io n sy st em Di gi ta l s ys te m an d da ta ba se of re gi st er ed fis he rs a nd fis he rie s da ta Co nt in uo us ly DF R, L M O 50 0 6. 4. Co m ba tin g IU U fis hi ng La ck o f p ar tic ip at io n of re le va nt st ak eh ol de rs in co m ba tin g IU U fis hi ng Pr ov id e fo r p ar tic ip at io n of al l r el ev an t s ta ke ho ld er s in th e M CS U ni t Pr ov id e fo r s ta ke ho ld er s to b e in vo lv ed in M CS M CS gu id el in es in di ca tin g st ak eh ol de r in vo lv em en t in M CS Q ua rt er ly DF R, F PU , LG , L M O 20 Co nd uc t M CS in vo lv in g ke y st ak eh ol de rs e sp ec ia lly SS FF W Un de rt ak e in cl us iv e M CS op er at io ns Re du ct io n in ill eg al iti es O nc e DF R, L G , LM O 8, 00 0 6. 5. Re du ci ng p os t- ha rv es t fi sh lo ss es , a dd in g va lu e an d ut ili za tio n Li m ite d ad op tio n of p os t-h ar ve st te ch no lo gi es Re vi ew in g an d up sc al in g ex is tin g po st -h ar ve st fis he rie s te ch no lo gi es ; Ev al ua te a nd u ps ca le e xi st in g po st -h ar ve st h an dl in g te ch no lo gi es Im pr ov ed kn ow le dg e an d sk ill s in fi sh ha nd lin g an d pr oc es si ng O nc e DF R, Ac ad em ia 40 0 In ad eq ua te po st h ar ve st in fr as tr uc tu re es pe ci al ly fo r SP S Pr ov id e ap pr op ria te p os t- ha rv es t i nf ra st ru ct ur e es pe ci al ly fo r S PS De te rm in e in fra st ru ct ur e re qu ire m en ts fo r q ua lit y m an ag em en t o f S PS In fo rm at io n on p os t- ha rv es t in fr as tr uc tu re re qu ire m en ts of S PS O nc e DF R, L C, SS F 30 Su pp or t p os t-h ar ve st in fr as tr uc tu re d ev el op m en t Im pr ov ed in fr as tr uc tu re fo r h an dl in g an d pr oc es si ng SP S An nu al ly DF R, L G , Pr iv at e se ct or 75 0 In ad eq ua te en fo rc em en t o f F is h Q ua lit y As su ra nc e ru le s Im pr ov e en fo rc em en t o f Fi sh Q ua lit y As su ra nc e ru le s En fo rc e ex is tin g re gu la tio ns fo r al l m aj or c om m er ci al s pe ci es Im pr ov ed co m pl ia nc e to fi sh q ua lit y ru le s Q ua rt er ly DF R, L G , N G O s M CS 54 Ta bl e 13 . S tra te gi c ob je ct iv e VI I: Pr ov id in g en ab lin g su pp or t s er vi ce s Th em e Is su es In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG -M i 6. 6. Im pr ov in g tra de an d m ar ke t sy st em s In ad eq ua te tr ad e an d m ar ke t in fo rm at io n an d lim ite d m ar ke t in fr as tr uc tu re es pe ci al ly fo r S PS Pr ov id e in fo rm at io n on tra de a nd m ar ke t c ha nn el s an d in fr as tr uc tu re M ob ili ze in fo rm at io n on tr ad e an d m ar ke t c ha nn el s In fo rm at io n on m ar ke t an d tra de ch an ne ls O nc e N AF IR RI , DF R, LG , S SF , Pr iv at e Se ct or 30 De ve lo p an o nl in e ap pl ic at io n fo r a cc es si ng m ar ke t in fo rm at io n An o nl in e ap pl ic at io n fo r a cc es si ng m ar ke t in fo rm at io n O nc e DF R, L G , LM O s 50 In ad eq ua te m ar ke t in fr as tr uc tu re Ad vo ca te fo r d ev el op m en t of m ar ke t i nf ra st ru ct ur e De ve lo p m ar ke t i nf ra st ru ct ur e M ar ke t in fr as tr uc tu re O ve r 5 Y rs DF R, Pr iv at e se ct or 60 0 Th em e Is su e In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG -M 7. 1. Pr ov id in g in fo rm at io n kn ow le dg e an d sk ill s In ad eq ua te m an ag em en t in fo rm at io n on fi sh s to ck s, fis he rie s, e nv iro nm en ta l an d so ci o- ec on om ic fa ct or s G en er at e in fo rm at io n on fi sh st oc ks , e nv iro nm en ta l a nd so ci o- ec on om ic fa ct or s of th e fis he rie s M ob ili ze a nd p ac ka ge in fo rm at io n on th e fis h ha bi ta t, pr od uc tio n, a nd so ci o- ec on om ic s St at us re po rt o n th e fis h ha bi ta t, st oc ks a nd s oc io - ec on om ic s fo r ea ch la ke Tw o ye ar s N AF IR RI , D FR . LM O s, N G O s, G en er at e in fo rm at io n on st oc ks a nd b io lo gi ca l f ac to rs of th e fis he s Un de rt ak e fis h st oc k as se ss m en t a nd bi ol og ic al s ur ve ys In fo rm at io n on th e st at us o f fi sh st oc ks in e ac h la ke Fo ur ti m es pe r y ea r N AF IR RI , D FR , LC , L M O s fis he rs 2, 40 0 Pr ov id e in fo rm at io n on fi sh ca tc he s Un de rt ak e CA S su rv ey s In fo rm at io n on a nn ua l fi sh ca tc he s O nc e a ye ar N AF IR RI , D FR , LC , L M O s, fis he rs 1, 50 0 Pr ov id e in fo rm at io n on fis he rie s in pu ts Un de rt ak e fr am e su rv ey s In fo rm at io n of fis he rie s fa ci lit ie s O nc e ev er y tw o ye ar s N AF IR RI , L G , LM O, F is he rs 90 0 55 Th em e Is su e In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG -M Pr ov id e in fo rm at io n on fis h ha bi ta t h ea lth a nd pr od uc tiv ity Un de rt ak e en vi ro nm en ta l su rv ey s In fo rm at io n on th e fis h ha bi ta t he al th a nd pr od uc tiv ity Fo ur ti m e a ye ar o n ea ch la ke N AF IR RI , Ac ad em ia 2, 40 0 Pr ov id e in fo rm at io n on so ci o- ec on om ic fa ct or s of th e fis he rie s Un de rt ak e so ci o- ec on om ic s ur ve ys In fo rm at io n on so ci o- ec on om ic fa ct or s of th e fis he rie s Fo ur ti m e a ye ar o n ea ch la ke N AF IR RI , Ac ad em ia , LM O s 60 0 Pr ov id e a st at us re po rt s o n th e fis he rie s en vi ro nm en t an d so ci o- ec on om ic fa ct or s of th e fis he s of e ac h la ke Sy nt he si s av ai la bl e in fo rm at io n on fi sh er ie s, en vi ro nm en ta l a nd so ci o- ec on om ic fa ct or s of th e fis he rie s of e ac h la ke St at us re po rt on th e fis he rie s, en vi ro nm en t, an d so ci o- ec on om ic fa ct or s of th e fis he rie s of e ac h la ke O nc e ev er y fiv e ye ar s N AF IR RI , Ac ad em in a, N G O s 90 0 Li m ite d kn ow le dg e an d sk ill s of S SF FW Pr ov id e m an ag em en t in fo rm at io n in p op ul ar ve rs io ns a nd lo ca l la ng ua ge s Pr ep ar e in fo rm at io n pa ck ag es in s im pl e po pu la r v er si on s an d in lo ca l l an gu ag es N um be r o f in fo rm at io n pa ck ag es Co nt in uo us DF R, N AF IR RI , Ac ad em ia , N G O s 10 0 Id en tif y an d ce nt er s of e xc el le nc e fo r fis he rie s in fo rm at io n sh ar in g A fis he rie s an d aq ua cu ltu re in fo rm at io n da ta ce nt er s id en tifi ed O nc e DF R, N AF IR RI , LG , S SF 20 Es ta bl is h on lin e sy st em s fo r ac ce ss in g in fo rm at io n An o nl in e sy st em fo r c ol le ct in g an d ac ce ss in g in fo rm at io n O nc e N AF IR RI , D FR , LG , 25 0 Es ta bl is h fo ra fo r sh ar in g in fo rm at io n be tw ee n st ak eh ol de rs un de r L M O s Fo ra a fo r s ha rin g in fo rm at io n am on g LM O s Co nt in uo us DF R, L M O s, 30 0 Es ta bl is h ta rg et ed fis he rie s ra di o an d TV pr og ra m s At le as t o ne M ed ia h ou se sh ar in g fis he rie s in fo rm at io n in ea ch L M O An nu al ly DF R, N AF IR RI , LO M s, M ed ia ho us es 1, 80 0 56 Th em e Is su e In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG -M O rg an iz e w or ks ho ps an d tra in in g in se le ct ed s ki lls Im pr ov em en t in s ki lls a nd kn ow le dg e of sm al l-s ca le fis h w or ke rs in se le ct ed s ki lls An nu al ly FT Is , N AF IR RI , DF R, L M O s 60 0 7. 2. Pr ov id in g ap pr op ria te po lic ie s, la w s an d re gu la tio ns In ad eq ua te k no w le dg e of fi sh er ie s la w s an d re gu la tio ns Im pr ov e kn ow le dg e of th e Fi sh er ie s an d Aq ua cu ltu re Ac t 2 02 3 an d as so ci at ed re gu la tio ns Un de rt ak e ex te ns iv e se ns iti za tio n of th e Fi sh er ie s an d Aq ua cu ltu re A ct 20 23 a nd a ss oc ia te d re gu la tio ns In cr ea se in th e nu m be r o f S SF FW aw ar e of th e pr ov is io ns o f fis he rie s la w s an d re gu la tio ns Co nt in uo us DF R, L G , LM O s, N G O s 60 0 Ex is te nc e of in ap pr op ria te re gu la tio ns Im pr ov e ob so le te le ga l in st ru m en ts s uc h as th e on e fo r S PS Re vi ew a nd im pr ov e ex is tin g in ap pr op ria te le ga l i ns tr um en ts Im pr ov ed a nd up da te d le ga l in st ru m en ts O nc e DF R, L C, LM O s Ju di ci ar y 10 0 In ad eq ua te re gu la tio ns in so m e of th e hi gh p rio rit y ar ea s su ch a s SP S, p os t- ha rv es t a nd tr ad e De ve lo p an d st re ng th en re gu la tio ns in h ig h pr io rit y ar ea s (S PS , p os t-h ar ve st , tra de ) Pr ep ar e re gu la tio ns in h ig h pr io rit y fis h pr od uc tio n ar ea s of SP S, p os t-h ar ve st fis he rie s, a nd tr ad e Le ga l i ns tr um en ts in h ig h pr io rit y ar ea s of S PS , po st -h ar ve st fis he rie s, a nd tra de O nc e DF R, L G , LM O s, Ju di ci ar y. 15 0 La ck o f o rd in an ce s fo r t he LM O s Pr ov id e or di na nc es fo r op er at io na liz at io n of L M O s. De ve lo p or di na nc es fo r t he d iff er en t LM O s O rd in an ce s to gu id e op er at io ns of L M O s O nc e DF R. L C, LM O s, Ju di ci ar y 12 0 7. 3 Pr ov id in g ca pa ci ty 7. 3. 1. Pr ov id in g ap pr op ria te in st itu tio na l ca pa ci ty In ad eq ua te in st itu tio na l ca pa ci ty to a dd re ss th e in te rv en tio ns d efi ne d in N PO A- SS F De fin e an e la bo ra te in st itu tio na l s tr uc tu re w ith w el l-d efi ne d fu nc tio ns to lin k di ff er en ce le ve ls o f go ve rn an ce Pr ep ar e an in st itu tio na l s tr uc tu re of L M O s w ith w el l- de fin ed fu nc tio ns at d iff er en t l ev el s of g ov er na nc e fr om la nd in g si te to na tio na l l ev el An in cl us iv e in st itu tio na l st ru ct ur e of L M O s w ith w el l-d efi ne d fu nc tio ns O nc e DF R, L G , L M O 12 0 56 Th em e Is su e In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG -M O rg an iz e w or ks ho ps an d tra in in g in se le ct ed s ki lls Im pr ov em en t in s ki lls a nd kn ow le dg e of sm al l-s ca le fis h w or ke rs in se le ct ed s ki lls An nu al ly FT Is , N AF IR RI , DF R, L M O s 60 0 7. 2. Pr ov id in g ap pr op ria te po lic ie s, la w s an d re gu la tio ns In ad eq ua te k no w le dg e of fi sh er ie s la w s an d re gu la tio ns Im pr ov e kn ow le dg e of th e Fi sh er ie s an d Aq ua cu ltu re Ac t 2 02 3 an d as so ci at ed re gu la tio ns Un de rt ak e ex te ns iv e se ns iti za tio n of th e Fi sh er ie s an d Aq ua cu ltu re A ct 20 23 a nd a ss oc ia te d re gu la tio ns In cr ea se in th e nu m be r o f S SF FW aw ar e of th e pr ov is io ns o f fis he rie s la w s an d re gu la tio ns Co nt in uo us DF R, L G , LM O s, N G O s 60 0 Ex is te nc e of in ap pr op ria te re gu la tio ns Im pr ov e ob so le te le ga l in st ru m en ts s uc h as th e on e fo r S PS Re vi ew a nd im pr ov e ex is tin g in ap pr op ria te le ga l i ns tr um en ts Im pr ov ed a nd up da te d le ga l in st ru m en ts O nc e DF R, L C, LM O s Ju di ci ar y 10 0 In ad eq ua te re gu la tio ns in so m e of th e hi gh p rio rit y ar ea s su ch a s SP S, p os t- ha rv es t a nd tr ad e De ve lo p an d st re ng th en re gu la tio ns in h ig h pr io rit y ar ea s (S PS , p os t-h ar ve st , tra de ) Pr ep ar e re gu la tio ns in h ig h pr io rit y fis h pr od uc tio n ar ea s of SP S, p os t-h ar ve st fis he rie s, a nd tr ad e Le ga l i ns tr um en ts in h ig h pr io rit y ar ea s of S PS , po st -h ar ve st fis he rie s, a nd tra de O nc e DF R, L G , LM O s, Ju di ci ar y. 15 0 La ck o f o rd in an ce s fo r t he LM O s Pr ov id e or di na nc es fo r op er at io na liz at io n of L M O s. De ve lo p or di na nc es fo r t he d iff er en t LM O s O rd in an ce s to gu id e op er at io ns of L M O s O nc e DF R. L C, LM O s, Ju di ci ar y 12 0 7. 3 Pr ov id in g ca pa ci ty 7. 3. 1. Pr ov id in g ap pr op ria te in st itu tio na l ca pa ci ty In ad eq ua te in st itu tio na l ca pa ci ty to a dd re ss th e in te rv en tio ns d efi ne d in N PO A- SS F De fin e an e la bo ra te in st itu tio na l s tr uc tu re w ith w el l-d efi ne d fu nc tio ns to lin k di ff er en ce le ve ls o f go ve rn an ce Pr ep ar e an in st itu tio na l s tr uc tu re of L M O s w ith w el l- de fin ed fu nc tio ns at d iff er en t l ev el s of g ov er na nc e fr om la nd in g si te to na tio na l l ev el An in cl us iv e in st itu tio na l st ru ct ur e of L M O s w ith w el l-d efi ne d fu nc tio ns O nc e DF R, L G , L M O 12 0 57 Th em e Is su e In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG -M 7. 3. 2. Pr ov id in g ad eq ua te in fr as tr uc tu re an d in pu ts In ad eq ua te in fra st ru ct ur e to s up po rt th e in te rv en tio ns in th e N PO A- SS F St re ng th en th e ex is tin g in fr as tr uc tu re a nd p ro vi de ad di tio na l i nf ra st ru ct ur e to s up po rt th e ne w ly es ta bl is he d go ve rn an ce sy st em Un de rt ak e a ne ed as se ss m en t t o id en tif y in fra st ru ct ur e an d in pu ts In fr as tr uc tu re a nd in pu ts re qu ire d fo r f un ct io ni ng o f LM O s An nu al DF R, L G , L M O, 4, 26 0 La ck o f i nf ra st ru ct ur e to s up po rt p ro gr am s fo r vu ln er ab le g ro up s Pr ov id e in fr as tr uc tu re to st re ng th en a nd s up po rt pr og ra m s of v ul ne ra bl e gr ou ps Un de rt ak e a ne ed as se ss m en t t o id en tif y in fra st ru ct ur e an d in pu ts re qu ire m en t f or vu ln er ab le g ro up s In fr as tr uc tu re an d in pu t s up po rt to im pr ov e op er at io ns o f vu ln er ab le g ro up s An nu al ly LG , L M O s, N G O s 50 0 7. 3. 3. Pr ov id in g ap pr op ria te hu m an re so ur ce s ca pa ci ty In ad eq ua te h um an re so ur ce s to a dd re ss th e in te rv en tio ns o f t he N PO A- SS F St re ng th en h um an re so ur ce s ca pa ci ty o f p ub lic a nd pr iv at e se ct or p la ye rs Un de rt ak e ne ed s as se ss m en t t o id en tif y ga ps in hu m an re so ur ce s re qu ire m en ts H um an re so ur ce s re qu ire d to m an LM O s de fin ed an d pr ov id ed An nu al DF R, L G , L M O, 5, 40 0 7. 3. 4. Pr ov id in g su st ai na bl e fu nd in g m ec ha ni sm s La ck o f a s us ta in ab le fu nd in g m ec ha ni sm to su pp or t i m pl em en ta tio n of N PO A- SS F in te rv en tio ns Co nv en e a do no r’s co nf er en ce ; Ad vo ca te fo r i nc lu si on o f t he in te rv en tio ns in N PO A- SS F in p la ns a nd b ud ge ts o f l oc al an d ce nt ra l g ov er nm en t an d de ve lo pm en t p ar tn er s; De ve lo p an a pp ro pr ia te sy st em to g en er at e lo ca l re ve nu e fr om fi sh er ie s Co nd uc t a d on or s’ co nf er en ce , in cl ud e bu dg et ar y re qu ire m en t, ad vo ca te fo r in cl us io n in go ve rn m en t p la n, a nd de ve lo p m ec ha ni sm to g en er at e lo ca l re ve nu e Fu nd in g m ec ha ni sm fo r im pl em en ta tio n of th e N PO A an d LM O s de fin ed An nu al DF R, L G , L M O, 27 0 58 Ta bl e 14 . S tra te gi c ob je ct iv e VI II: S up po rt to im pl em en ta tio n, m on ito rin g an d ev al ua tio n Th em e Is su es In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG X (M ill io ns ) 8. 1. Es ta bl is hi ng im pl em en ta tio n m ec ha ni sm s La ck o f a n im pl em en ta tio n m ec ha ni sm Se t u p a co or di na tio n sy st em a t n at io na l l ev el Pr ep ar e na tio na l w or k pl an s an d bu dg et s Im pl em en ta tio n m ec ha ni sm s at na tio na l l ev el Ye ar 1 Va rio us im pl em en te rs 1, 20 0 Se t u p a co or di na tio n sy st em a t L M O / di st ric ts le ve l Pr ep ar e LM O / di st ric t w or k pl an s an d bu dg et s Im pl em en ta tio n m ec ha ni sm a t l oc al le ve l An nu al ly Va rio us im pl em en te rs 7, 20 0 Se t u p re gi on al fis he rie s offi ce s in ap pr op ria te la ke re gi on s Pr ov id e pe rs on ne l an d in pu ts fo r t he re gi on al o ffi ce Re gi on al o ffi ce fo r e ac h la ke a re a es ta bl is he d Ye ar 1 DF R, L G , L M O s 20 0 Di ss em in at e th e N PO A- SS F w id el y an d pr om ot e its im pl em en ta tio n Co nd uc t a w ar en es s ra is in g ev en t a bo ut th e N PO A- SS F In cr ea se in aw ar en es s ab ou t th e N PO A- SS F Ye ar 1 DF R, L G , L M O, N G O s 3, 60 0 Pr ov id e la ke -s pe ci fic m an ag em en t p la ns Pr ep ar e m an ag em en t pl an fo r e ac h la ke a nd s ta rt im pl em en ta tio n La ke s pe ci fic m an ag em en t p la ns Ye ar 1 DF R, L M O, 30 0 En ga ge in st itu tio ns de fin ed in th e im pl em en ta tio n m at rix to im pl em en t a ss ig ne d in te rv en tio ns Co nv en e a w or ks ho p on e ac h la ke to in tro du ce th e N PO A- SS F to im pl em en te rs Im pl em en ta tio n te am s in p la ce Ye ar 1 DF R, L M O, L G , N AF IR RI 30 0 8. 2. Es ta bl is hi ng m on ito rin g an d ev al ua tio n sy st em s La ck o f a s ys te m to m on ito r an d ev al ua te in te rv en tio ns o f th e N PO A- SS F at di ff er en t l ev el s of im pl em en ta tio n Es ta bl is h a sy st em to p er io di ca lly re vi ew , m on ito r, an d ev al ua te th e de liv er ab le o f th e in te rv en tio ns in th e N PO A- SS F at di ff er en t l ev el s of im pl em en ta tio n Pr ep ar e an d im pl em en t a na tio na l M &E p la n N at io na l m on ito rin g an d ev al ua tio n pl an s an d re po rt s An nu al ly DF R, L G , L M O s 60 0 58 Ta bl e 14 . S tra te gi c ob je ct iv e VI II: S up po rt to im pl em en ta tio n, m on ito rin g an d ev al ua tio n Th em e Is su es In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG X (M ill io ns ) 8. 1. Es ta bl is hi ng im pl em en ta tio n m ec ha ni sm s La ck o f a n im pl em en ta tio n m ec ha ni sm Se t u p a co or di na tio n sy st em a t n at io na l l ev el Pr ep ar e na tio na l w or k pl an s an d bu dg et s Im pl em en ta tio n m ec ha ni sm s at na tio na l l ev el Ye ar 1 Va rio us im pl em en te rs 1, 20 0 Se t u p a co or di na tio n sy st em a t L M O / di st ric ts le ve l Pr ep ar e LM O / di st ric t w or k pl an s an d bu dg et s Im pl em en ta tio n m ec ha ni sm a t l oc al le ve l An nu al ly Va rio us im pl em en te rs 7, 20 0 Se t u p re gi on al fis he rie s offi ce s in ap pr op ria te la ke re gi on s Pr ov id e pe rs on ne l an d in pu ts fo r t he re gi on al o ffi ce Re gi on al o ffi ce fo r e ac h la ke a re a es ta bl is he d Ye ar 1 DF R, L G , L M O s 20 0 Di ss em in at e th e N PO A- SS F w id el y an d pr om ot e its im pl em en ta tio n Co nd uc t a w ar en es s ra is in g ev en t a bo ut th e N PO A- SS F In cr ea se in aw ar en es s ab ou t th e N PO A- SS F Ye ar 1 DF R, L G , L M O, N G O s 3, 60 0 Pr ov id e la ke -s pe ci fic m an ag em en t p la ns Pr ep ar e m an ag em en t pl an fo r e ac h la ke a nd s ta rt im pl em en ta tio n La ke s pe ci fic m an ag em en t p la ns Ye ar 1 DF R, L M O, 30 0 En ga ge in st itu tio ns de fin ed in th e im pl em en ta tio n m at rix to im pl em en t a ss ig ne d in te rv en tio ns Co nv en e a w or ks ho p on e ac h la ke to in tro du ce th e N PO A- SS F to im pl em en te rs Im pl em en ta tio n te am s in p la ce Ye ar 1 DF R, L M O, L G , N AF IR RI 30 0 8. 2. Es ta bl is hi ng m on ito rin g an d ev al ua tio n sy st em s La ck o f a s ys te m to m on ito r an d ev al ua te in te rv en tio ns o f th e N PO A- SS F at di ff er en t l ev el s of im pl em en ta tio n Es ta bl is h a sy st em to p er io di ca lly re vi ew , m on ito r, an d ev al ua te th e de liv er ab le o f th e in te rv en tio ns in th e N PO A- SS F at di ff er en t l ev el s of im pl em en ta tio n Pr ep ar e an d im pl em en t a na tio na l M &E p la n N at io na l m on ito rin g an d ev al ua tio n pl an s an d re po rt s An nu al ly DF R, L G , L M O s 60 0 59 Th em e Is su es In te rv en tio n Ac tiv iti es De liv er ab le Ti m ef ra m e Ac to rs Bu dg et UG X (M ill io ns ) Pr ep ar e an d im pl em en t a lo ca l M &E p la n Lo ca l m on ito rin g an d ev al ua tio n pl an s an d re po rt s Q ua rt er ly LM O s, L G , Im pl em en te rs 7, 20 0 8. 3. Pr ov id in g fo r su st ai na bi lit y La ck o f a p la n to s us ta in th e in te rv en tio ns o f th e N PO A- SS F En ga ge lo ca l, na tio na l, de ve lo pm en t pa rt ne rs , N G O s, CB O s, to u se N PO A- SS F in te rv en tio ns as a fr am ew or k fo r pl an ni ng c ap tu re fis he rie s de ve lo pm en t, an d; S et u p a se lf- su pp or t s ys te m w ith in th e es ta bl is he d go ve rn an ce s ys te m . Pr ep ar e a su st ai na bi lit y pl an fo r t he N PO A- SS F Su st ai na bi lit y pl an fo r t he N PO A- SS F pr ep ar ed O nc e DF R, L G , L M O 15 0 60 4.4 Monitoring and evaluation The monitoring and evaluation plan is presented in a matrix with fields indicating how the deliverable of each intervention under each thematic area will be delivered, the means of verifications, the responsible person/institutions and the timeframe. Thematic area Deliverable Means of verification Lead institutions Timeframe 2.1. Organizing tenure One LMO formed on each lake Documents DFR, LG, Communities Once only Status of landing site land for infrastructure development assessed Document 2.2. Organizing stakeholders Database of stakeholders and their roles Document DFR, LG. LMO, NGOs, Fishers Within Yr1 2.3. Promoting cultural norms Cultural leader incorporated in management of landing sites and cultural norm identified and adopted Report DFR. LG, LMO, NGOs, Fishers Continuous 2.4. Establishing co- management Co-management system established Documents DFR, LG, LMO, Judiciary Within 1Yr 2.5. Promoting associations Associations formed in key areas of the value chain and networked Report DFR. LG. LMOs Annually Table 15. Strategic objective II. Organising governance systems Table 16. Strategic objective III: Promoting socio-economic development Theme Deliverable Mean of verification Lead institution Due date 3.1. Poverty reduction Alternative livelihood options identified and promoted Reports LG, LMO Annually Number of fishers trained in business skills, savings and financial management Reports LG, LMO Annually 3.2. Improving socio-economic services Number of socio-economic needs of SSFFW included in development plans and provided Report LG, LMO Annually 3.3. Addressing HIV.AIDs, Bilharzia, Malaria and other diseases The number of health services addressing HIV/AIDs, Bilharzia, Malaria and other commons diseases targeting SSFFW Report LG. LMO, MDAs Annually 3.4. Promoting gender equality Number of women and youth groups formed, training events, and inputs provided Report LG, LMO Year 1 60 4.4 Monitoring and evaluation The monitoring and evaluation plan is presented in a matrix with fields indicating how the deliverable of each intervention under each thematic area will be delivered, the means of verifications, the responsible person/institutions and the timeframe. Thematic area Deliverable Means of verification Lead institutions Timeframe 2.1. Organizing tenure One LMO formed on each lake Documents DFR, LG, Communities Once only Status of landing site land for infrastructure development assessed Document 2.2. Organizing stakeholders Database of stakeholders and their roles Document DFR, LG. LMO, NGOs, Fishers Within Yr1 2.3. Promoting cultural norms Cultural leader incorporated in management of landing sites and cultural norm identified and adopted Report DFR. LG, LMO, NGOs, Fishers Continuous 2.4. Establishing co- management Co-management system established Documents DFR, LG, LMO, Judiciary Within 1Yr 2.5. Promoting associations Associations formed in key areas of the value chain and networked Report DFR. LG. LMOs Annually Table 15. Strategic objective II. Organising governance systems Table 16. Strategic objective III: Promoting socio-economic development Theme Deliverable Mean of verification Lead institution Due date 3.1. Poverty reduction Alternative livelihood options identified and promoted Reports LG, LMO Annually Number of fishers trained in business skills, savings and financial management Reports LG, LMO Annually 3.2. Improving socio-economic services Number of socio-economic needs of SSFFW included in development plans and provided Report LG, LMO Annually 3.3. Addressing HIV.AIDs, Bilharzia, Malaria and other diseases The number of health services addressing HIV/AIDs, Bilharzia, Malaria and other commons diseases targeting SSFFW Report LG. LMO, MDAs Annually 3.4. Promoting gender equality Number of women and youth groups formed, training events, and inputs provided Report LG, LMO Year 1 61 Theme Deliverable Means of verification Responsible institution / person Frequency / Due Date 4.1. Managing impacts of land use change Effort to protect lake shores and river banks including afforestation Reports LG, LMOs Continuous 4.2. Managing pollutants SSFFW mobilized and managing pollutants especially plastics Reports on reduction of plastics LG, LMOs Continuous 4.3. Controlling invasive weeds Reduction on coverage of aquatic weeds Reports LG, LMOs Continuous Theme Deliverable Means of verification Responsible institution / person Frequency / Due Date 5.1. Applying lake productivity potential Information on the relationship between lake productivity processes and fish production provided Document NAFIRRI. Academia Once for each lake Number of lakes with ecosystem models prepared Technical document NAFIRRI, Academia Once 5.2. Promoting culture based fisheries Number of aquatic systems assessed and stocked Reports DFR, LG, LMO, Fishers 5.3. Promoting diversification to aquaculture Number of SSFFW supported to diversify to cage culture Report DFR, LMO, SSFFW Annual 5.4. Addressing impacts of climate variability and change Information on impacts of climate variability and change, and calamities mobilised. The number of adaptation, mitigation measures identified and promoted Document NAFIRRI, Universities. NGOs Continuous 5.5. Conserving aquatic biodiversity Number of biodiversity conservation areas identified, set up, and managed by communities Document NAFIRRI, LG, Communities Once in each system Table 17. Strategic objective IV: Management fish habit health Table 18. Strategic objective V: Applying lake productivity potential Theme Deliverable Mean of verification Lead institution Due date 3.5. Integrating blue economy investments Spatial planning of blue economy investment undertake; EIA of blue economy investments; Maritime safety addressed Document DFR, LMO, Private sector, NEMA Annually 62 Table 19. Strategic objective VI: Sustaining and increasing fish production and utilization Theme Deliverable Means of verification Responsible institution / person Frequency / Due Date 6.1. Sustaining and increasing fish production of individual lakes Fish production from individual lakes, and major commercial species sustained at current levels or increased Document DFR, NAFIRRI, LMO, LG, SSFFW Once every two years CAS implemented to monitor impacts of exploitation Reports DFR, NAFIRRI, LMO, SSFFW Annually 6.2. Sustaining and increasing production of individual commercial species Number of major commercial species with species-specific management plans in place and implemented. Technical documents DFR, NAFIRRI, Academia, LMO 6.2.1. Management plan for Small pelagic species (SPS) Species specific management plan for each SPS in each lake Technical document DFR, NAFIRRI, LMO, LG Annual The numbers of license for fishing SPS increased Licencing report DFR, LG, LMO Annual Appropriate technologies for harvesting SPS developed Technical report NAFIRRI Once Bycatch of larger species in catches of SPS reduced Document DFR, NAFIRRI, LMO, LG Once in each lake Regulation on suitable gear size for catching SPS developed Legal instrument DFR, Judiciary Once The number of skilled fishers in handling and processing SPS increased and post-harvest losses reduced to <40% Document DFR, LC, NAFIRRI, SSF Once Post-harvest fish handling infrastructure for SPS improved Document DFR, NaRL, LMO, LG Once At least 50% of available products of SPS evaluated and up scaled Products DFR, NaRL, LMO, Academia Continuous Awareness of the value of consuming SPS increased and the number of people consuming SPS increased to >20% Document DFR, NaRL, LMO, LG Annual Market information for SPS provided and utilised Document DFR, NAFIRRI Once 6.2.2. Management plan for Nile perch Species-specific management plan for Nile perch in different lakes Document DFR, NAFIRRI, LMO Annual 63 Theme Deliverable Means of verification Responsible institution / person Frequency / Due Date Compliance and enforce minimum size at harvest of 50 cm increases Report DFR, LMO, Quarterly Established efforts in post- harvest handling and marketing of Nile perch are sustained Report DFR, LMO Annually Regulations on export of Nile perch maws prepared and implemented Regulation DFR Once Processing and utilization of Nile perch by-products is improved 6.2.3. Management plan for tilapia Species-specific management plan for tilapia Document NAFIRRI Annual Compliance and enforcement of minimum size at harvest of 28 cm increases Report DFR, LMO Annual Critical inshore breading and nursery areas identified, mapped, and protected Report NAFIRRI, LMO Annual 6.2.4. Management plan for other commercial species Size at first maturity for individual species determined, appropriate regulation developed and enforced Report NAFIRRI Once Critical habitats of the species identified and protected Report NAFIRRI Annual 6.3. Regulating fishing capacity Appropriate number of boats for each lake determined, and an appropriate regulation put in place to enforce them Document NAFIRRI, DFR, LMO Once Species specific licenses for the allowable number of boats issued on each lake Report DFR, LG, LMO Annually A digital system for registration of boats and collection of data on the lakes developed Online program DFR, NAFIRRI, LG Once 6.4. Combating IUU fishing Guidelines that provide for participation of different stakeholders are developed and MCS conducted on each lake at least quarterly and illegalities reduced Document DFR, LG, SSF Quarterly 64 Theme Deliverable Means of verification Responsible institution / person Frequency / Due Date 6.5. Reducing post-harvest fish losses, adding value and utilization Existing post-harvest handling technologies evaluated and up scaled Document DFR, Academia Annually Support towards improvement of post-harvest fisheries infrastructure provided Document DFR, LMO, LG Annually 6.6. Improving trade and market systems Information on profitable market and trade channels for fish and fishery products and market infrastructure provided Report NAFIRRI, DFR, LG, SSF, Private Sector Table 20. Strategic objective VII. Providing enabling support services Theme Deliverable Means of verification Responsible institution / person Frequency / Due Date 7.1. Providing information, knowledge and skills Information, on fish stocks, biology, environmental and social economic factors generated, packaged, and disseminate with involvement of SSFFW Documents NAFIRRI, LG, LMOs Annually SSFFW trained in collection of selected aspects of management information such as catches (CAS) on each lake Technical document NAFIRRI, DFR, NGO Annually Information packages prepared and provided in popular versions and local languages Information packages DFR, NAFIRRI, LMOs, NGOs Annually Centers of excellence from where information on fisheries and aquaculture can be accessed are identified and provided to LMOs The centre DFR, NAFIRRI, LG, LMOs, Once Online systems and centers for accessing information established System in place NAFIRRI, DFR, LG, LMOs Once Fora for sharing and accessing information online at different levels of governance established. System set up and operational LMOs Periodically 65 Theme Deliverable Means of verification Responsible institution / person Frequency / Due Date At least one targeted radio / TV programs is run once a month at LMO level Reports DFR, LG, LMOs, Media houses, Once At least one workshop and training to create awareness and improve kills conducted in each LMO once a year. Reports FTIs, NAFIRRI, DFR, SSF Annually 7.2. Providing appropriate policies, laws and regulations Sensitization of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023 and related regulations undertaken Instruments DFR, LG, LMOs, Judiciary Annually Existing inappropriate regulations such as that on size of boats and fishing gear for SPS revised Report DFR, LG, Judiciary, SSF, Annually Regulations in high priority areas especially SPS, post- harvest, trade developed Report DFR, LMO Annually Ordinances and bye laws on operations of LMOs developed Document DFR. LMO, Judiciary Once 7.3. Providing capacity 7.3.1. Providing appropriate institutional capacity A clear institutional structure and functions for LMOs and its linkage to local, national and regional governance systems defined Document DFR, LG, LMO, Once 7.3.2. Providing adequate infrastructure and inputs Improvement in infrastructure Report DFR, LG, LMO, Annually 7.3.3. Providing appropriate human resources capacity Human resources capacity provided to address the interventions of NPOA-SSF Report DFR, LG, LMO, Annually 7.3.4. Developing sustainable funding mechanisms A donor’s conference convened to raise funds to kick-start the NPOA-SSF Document DFR, LG, LMO, Annually Advocacy to include NPOA- SSF interventions in local and central government plans and budgets undertaken Document LMO Annually Mechanisms to generate local revenue from fisheries to run NPOA-SSF interventions especially at community level developed Document LMO, Community associations Annually 66 Theme Deliverable Means of verification Responsible institution / person Frequency / Due Date 8.1. Establishing implementation mechanisms Regional fisheries offices re- established in each major lake system Report DFR, LMO, SSFFW Once NPOA-SSF widely disseminated to promote its implementation Report DFR, LMO Continuous LMOs set up on each lake and networked nationally Report DFR, LG, LMOs Once Lake specific management plans based on the NPOA- SSF framework prepared under each LMO Management plan DFR. LG, LMO Once Institutions defined in the implementation matrix engaged to implement assigned interventions Report DFR, LG, LMO Continuously Implementation of the NPOA-SSF is coordinated at national and LMO/ district levels Reports DFR, LG, LMO Quarterly 8.2. Establishing a monitoring and evaluation system The interventions are monitored and evaluated at national, LMO/ district levels, and by implementers Report DFR, LMO, SSFFW Quarterly and annually 8.3. Providing for sustainability The NPOA-SSF interventions included in local and national development plans, and a self-support funding system set up at community level Document DFR, LMO Once Table 21. Strategic objective VIII: Support to implementation, monitoring, evaluation and sustainability 66 Theme Deliverable Means of verification Responsible institution / person Frequency / Due Date 8.1. Establishing implementation mechanisms Regional fisheries offices re- established in each major lake system Report DFR, LMO, SSFFW Once NPOA-SSF widely disseminated to promote its implementation Report DFR, LMO Continuous LMOs set up on each lake and networked nationally Report DFR, LG, LMOs Once Lake specific management plans based on the NPOA- SSF framework prepared under each LMO Management plan DFR. LG, LMO Once Institutions defined in the implementation matrix engaged to implement assigned interventions Report DFR, LG, LMO Continuously Implementation of the NPOA-SSF is coordinated at national and LMO/ district levels Reports DFR, LG, LMO Quarterly 8.2. Establishing a monitoring and evaluation system The interventions are monitored and evaluated at national, LMO/ district levels, and by implementers Report DFR, LMO, SSFFW Quarterly and annually 8.3. Providing for sustainability The NPOA-SSF interventions included in local and national development plans, and a self-support funding system set up at community level Document DFR, LMO Once Table 21. Strategic objective VIII: Support to implementation, monitoring, evaluation and sustainability 67 5.0 | The Budget The total investment required to implement the NPOA-SSF over a five-year period is estimated at UGX 407 billion (US$ 110 million) and is expected to come from the national budget and donor support. This will put in place a community of SSFFW and other stakeholders working together sustain and increase fish production, improve employment, the quantity of fish available for the market and reduction in multi- dimensional poverty. Strategic area Year1 Year2 Year3 Year4 Year5 Total I. Recognizing human rights and responsibilities (cross cutting) 160 160 160 160 160 800 II. Improving governance systems 19,890 780 80 230 180 21,810 III: Promoting socio-economic development 56,360 55,460 55,280 55,280 55,280 277,660 IV. Managing fish habitat health 7,980 4,529 4,636 12,860 12,860 34,280 V. Applying lake productivity potential 3,960 2,250 2,250 2,250 2,250 12,960 VI. Increasing and sustaining fisheries production, value and utilization 7,430 5,280 5,280 5,280 5,280 27,900 VII: Providing enabling support services 3,830 2,340 2,590 1,990 2,590 13,340 VIII. Supporting implementation, monitoring, evaluation 7,040 2,640 2,840 2,640 2,840 18,000 Total 106,650 73,439 73,816 80,690 81,440 406,750 Table 22. The budget for implementing different strategic objectives of the NPOA 68 6.0 | References AU, 2009 African Union Gender Policy, 29 pp AU-IBAR, 2019a. Africa Blue Economy Strategy. Nairobi, Kenya. AU-IBAR, 2019b. Africa Economy Strategy. Annex 1. Fisheries, aquaculture, conservation and sustainable aquatic ecosystems in the context of Africa Blue Economy. Nairobi, Kenya AUC-NEPAD. 2014.The Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa. AU. 2015. Agenda 2063. Popular version. 24 pp. AU. 2016. The African Convention on Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. 31pp Damien Legros & Joseph Luomba. 2011. Dagaa Value Chain Analysis and Proposal for Trade Development SF/2011/19. Implementation of a Regional Fisheries Strategy for the Eastern- Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Region EAC, 1999. Protocol on Environment and Natural Resources Management. EAC. 2003. Protocol for sustainable development of the Lake Victoria basin 29pp EAC. 2013. East African Community Protocol on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures, Arusha, Tanzania. 11 pp. EAC, 2018. East African Community Gender Policy, East African Community Secretariat, Arusha Tanzania, 39pp Exum NG, Kibira SPS, Ssenyonga R, Nobili J, Shannon AK, Ssempebwa JC, et al. (2019) The prevalence of schistosomiasis in Uganda: A nationally representative population estimate to inform control programs and water and sanitation interventions. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 13(8): e0007617. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pntd.0007617 https://doi.org/10.1371/ journal. pntd.0007617. FAO 1995. Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN, Rome, Italy. FAO. 2001 International Plan of Action to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Rome, FAO. 2001. 24p. FAO. 2008. Fisheries management. 3. Managing fishing capacity. FAO Technical Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries. No. 4, Suppl. 3. FAO, Rome, 104p. FAO. 2015 Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication. Rome, FAO. FAO. 2017 Towards gender-equitable small-scale fisheries governance and development – A handbook. In support of the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication Rome, Italy FAO. 2022 The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022. Towards Blue Transformation. Rome, FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc0461en. Garcia, S. M., and Cochrane, K. L. 2005. Ecosystem approach to fisheries: a review of implementation guidelines. e ICES Journal of Marine Science, 62: 311e318. Hecky, R.E, Mugidde, R., Ramlal, P.S., Talbot, M.R. and Kling, G.W. (2010). Multiple stressors cause rapid ecosystem change in Lake Victoria. Freshwater Biol. 55, 19-42. LVFO, 2004. LVFO Regional Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing on Lake Victoria and Its Basin. 14pp. LVFO, 2007a. HIV in Fishing Communities of Lake Victoria: A Strategy and Action Plan. 27pp. LVFO. 2007b. LVFO Regional Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity in Lake Victoria. 28pp LVFO. 2016a. The Convention for the Establishment of the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization. 32 pp 69 LVFO. 2016b. Regional catch assessment survey synthesis report June to November / December 2015. 35pp LVFO. 2017 Regional status report on Lake Victoria bi-ennial frame surveys between 2000 and 2016. 80pp LVFO. 2018 The EAC Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, Jinja, Uganda. 32 pp LVFO. 2022a. Fisheries Management Plan IV for Lake Victoria Fisheries and Aquaculture, 74. Pp LVFO 2022b. A Regional Catch Assessment Survey Synthesis Report for Lake Victoria June 2005 to June 2021. Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization, Jinja – Uganda. Pp 44. MAAIF. 2017 The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy; MAAIF. 2018 The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy Implementation Strategy and Action Plan. 53pp. MAAIF 2020. Agriculture Sector Strategic Plan (2020/21-2024/25) ASSP III. Fish Thematic Area. 50 pp. Musumari PM, Techasrivichien T, Srithanaviboonchai K, Wanyenze RK, Matovu JKB, Poudyal H, et al. 2021 HIV epidemic in fishing communities in Uganda: A scoping review. PLoS ONE 16(4): e0249465. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0249465. NAFIRRI. 2012 Report of Lake Wamala Fisheries Catch Assessment Survey, March 2012, 14pp NAFIRRI. 2015 Report of frame and catch assessment surveys on the Kyoga basin lakes for the period November 2013 and September 2014. 40 pp. NELSAP. 2019 Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP-CU) / Nile Basin 2019. Regional Technical Report of Catch Assessment Surveys (CAS) of Lake Edward and Lake Albert (Uganda and DRC). 38pp NELSAP. 2021 Regional Technical Report of the Second Frame Survey conducted on the Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) sides of lakes Edward and Albert in September 2021 by \ NAFIRRI and SENADEP. Odongkara K. 2005. Poverty in fisheries: Indicators, causes and interventions. LVEMP. Socio-economic research report II. NARO-NAFIRRI. 87pp Ogutu-Ohwayo, R. Odongkara K., Okello W., Mbabazi D., Wandera S.B., L. Mwebaza Ndawula, Natigonza V. 2013. Variation and changes in habitat, productivity, and composition of aquatic biota and fisheries of the Kyoga system: Lessons for management. African Journal of Aquatic Sciences. 38:1-14 Ogutu-Ohwayo, R., Natugonza, V., Musinguzi, L., Olokotum, M. and Naigaga, S., 2016. Implications of climate variability and change for African lake ecosystems, fisheries productivity, and livelihoods, Journal of Great Lakes Research 42, 498–510. Republic of Uganda. 1995a The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995. 226 pp Republic of Uganda. 1995b The Local Governments Act. 1995; Republic of Uganda. 1997. The Water Act. Republic of Uganda. 2002 The Fish (Immature Fish) Instrument, 2002 (Statutory Instrument No. 73 of 2002). 2pp Republic of Uganda, 2003 The Fish (Beach Management) Rules, 2003. Statutory Instruments Supplement No 19. Uganda Gazette No 32 Volume XCVI. Republic of Uganda. 2007. The Uganda Gender Policy (2007), Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, 31pp Republic of Uganda, 2008. The Fish (Quality Assurance) Rules, 2008. Statutory Instruments No. 12. to The Uganda Gazette No. 15, UPPC, Entebbe, Uganda Republic of Uganda, 2010. The Fish (Fishing) Rules. Statutory Instruments 2010 No. 33, 2010 The Uganda Gazette No. 53 Volume CIII dated 3rd September, 2010. 62pp Republic of Uganda, 2011. National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Policy. 28 pp. 70 Republic of Uganda, 2013 Uganda Vision 2040, Uganda National Planning Authority, 120 pp. Republic of Uganda 2018. Bilateral agreement for the sustainable management of fisheries resources and aquaculture in Lake Edward and Lake Albert and their basin between the government of the Republic of Uganda and the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 25 pp Republic of Uganda. 2019 The National Environment Act, 2019. Republic of Uganda 2020. Third National Development Plan (NDPIII) 2020/21 – 2024/25. National Planning Authority. 242. Pp. Republic of Uganda. 2023. The Fish and Aquaculture Act 2023. UBOS, 2022. Multidiamentional poverty index report, Uganda Bureau of Statistics UBOs, 50pp. Musinguzi L. Kamya A, Nsega M, Okello W., 2022. Common water yyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) invades Lakes Edward, George, and Kazinga Channel: A call for immediate action. Journal of Great Lakes Research https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2022.09.008 UN. 1979. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. 10pp. entry into force 3 September 1981, in accordance with articl UN. 1992. Earth Summit Agenda 21, The United Nations UN. 1992a Convention on Biological Diversity, 28pp UN. 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 24pp UN. 2015 Transforming our world: The 2030 agenda for sustainable development. 41pp. (WTO, 2013) on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, 40pp 71 7.0 | Annexes 7.1 Annex I. The Logical framework Intervention OVI MOV Assumptions Goal: Small-scale fishers empowered to secure small-scale fisheries to achieve food security, poverty eradication and human rights Poverty, nutrition, socio- economic and human rights indices; Fish production statistics Reports of UBOs and MAAIF NPOA-SSF embraced by stakeholders Mission: Small-scale fishers recognized, organized, equipped, enabled, and supported to apply best practices to secure small-scale fisheries Deliverables: 1. Human rights recognized; 2. Governance systems organized 3. Socio-economic development promoted; 4. Fish habitat health and productivity improved; 5. Fish production sustained and increased; 6. Enabling support services provided; 7. Implementation monitoring and evaluation supported Report of the NPOA-SSF outputs; Policy documents on management of small-scale fisheries Stakeholder willing to collaborate; Government policies favouring SSFFW; Strategic objectives: 1. Recognizing human rights; 2. Organizing governance systems; 3. Promoting socio-economic development; 4. Managing fish habitat health; 5. Applying lake productivity potential; 6. Sustaining and increasing fish production, and utilization; 7. Providing enabling support services, and; 8. Supporting implementation, monitoring, and evaluation Outcomes: 1. SSFFW organized into lake management entities; 2. Lakes managed in a planned manner 3. Improved application of information and data, regulations and standards manage aquatic health and productivity; 4. Improved implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of lake management processes NPOA-SSF adopted; Database of SSF workers; Reports of LMOs; Gender disaggregated data; Reports of lake management activities; Reports of training events of SSF. Stake holders adopt and are committed to implementation of the NPOA-SSF; Lake specific reports are prepared and received and reviewed Interventions: 1.1. Human rights and dignity 1.2. Respect culture 1.3. Non-discrimination 1.4. Gender equality 1.5. Equity and equality 1.6. Consultation and participation 1.7. Rule of law 1.8. Transparency Inputs (UGX - Millions): 1. Recognizing human rights and responsibilities = 800 2. Improving governance systems = 21,810 3. Promoting socio- economic development = 277,550 Approved budgets; Funds disbursement; schedules; Accountability statements; Audit reports; NPOA-SSF reports Funds are acquired, released, spent and properly accounted for on time 72 Intervention OVI MOV Assumptions 1.9. Accountability 1.10. Resources sustainability 1.11. Holistic and integrated approaches 1.12. Social responsibility 1.13. Social and economic viability 2.1. Organize tenure 2.2. Organize stakeholders 2.3. Promote cultural norms 2.4. Establish co-management 2.5. Promote associations 3.1. Reduce poverty 3.2. Improve socio-economic services 3.3. Address HIV/AIDs, bilharzia and malaria 3.4. Promote gender equality 3.5. Integrate blue economy investments 4.1. Manage impacts of land use change 4.2. Manage pollutants and contaminants 4.3. Control invasive weeds 5.1. Apply physical, chemical, biological conditions 5.2. Promote culture based fisheries 5.3 Promote diversification to aquaculture 5.4. Address impacts of climate variability and change 4. Managing fish habitat health = 34,280 5. Apply lake productivity potential = 12,190 6. Increasing and sustaining fisheries production, value and utilization = 27,900 7. Providing enabling support services = 13,340 8. Supporting implementation, monitoring, evaluation = 18,000 Total = 406,750 . 5.5. Conserve aquatic biodiversity 6.1. Sustain fish production of individual lakes 6.2. Sustain production of individual fish species 6.3. Regulate fishing capacity 6.4. Combat IUU fishing 6.5. Reduce post-harvest fish losses, 6.6. Improve trade and market systems 7.1. Provide information, knowledge and skills 7.2. Provide policies, laws, and regulations 7.3. Provide adequate capacity (infrastructure, institutions, human resources and funding) 8.1. Establish implementation mechanisms 8.2. Establish a monitoring and evaluation system 8.3. Provide for sustainability 73 7.2 Annex II. A summary of some policies and legal instruments applicable to fisheries There are policies and legal instruments at global, continental, regional to which Uganda is a signatory that can be customized to guide sustainable development of natural resources at national and lower levels of governance where regulations may be lacking at national level to address the thematic areas in the NPOA-SSF. Examples of global policies and legal instruments that can be adopted to guide sustainable use of natural resources include: The Declaration on Environment and Development, The Earth Summit, Millennium Development Goals, Johannesburg Declaration, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs). There are global conventions, protocols, agreements, strategies and codes of practice. The Water Policy and Strategy provides for sustainable management of water resources, through an integrated ecosystem approaches. The World Heritage Convention provides for protection of valuable ecosystems and habitats. The Ramsar Convention provides for protection of wetlands to enable them perform their ecological, economic, cultural, scientific and recreational functions. The Convention on Biological Diversity provides for sustainable use of components of biodiversity, and fair and equitable sharing of its benefits. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates trading in endangered species. The Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals protects wild animals that migrate outside national boundaries and ecosystems such as fish species. The Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries provides guidelines for conservation, management and development of living aquatic resources and their environment including aquaculture. The International Plan of Action on Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) fishing provides for combating IUU fishing. The Convention to Combat Desertification provides guidelines for combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought especially in countries experiencing serious drought and desertification, particularly in Africa. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement provides mechanisms for cooperation on reducing greenhouse gases to combat climate change. At continental level, the African Union Charter commits member states to harness natural and human resources of the continent for total advancement of its people and has articulated continental policies to guide sustainable use of natural resources at continental level. Key among these in relation to fisheries is the African Convention for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources which provides for sustainable use of natural resources on the African continent including water, land, vegetation covers, climate change, and environment and natural resources. The AU, Agenda 2063 provides for management of natural resources to promote transformation of Africa into a global powerhouse. The resources of lakes are expected to contribute to this transformation and growth through knowledge enhancement on marine resources, navigation, fishing and exploitation of other marine resources. The guidelines for development of fisheries resources in the AU are provided in The Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa. Regional Economic Communities such as East African Community (EAC) have legal instruments that can be applied to guide sustainable use of the resources of lakes in the East African region. The EAC Treaty provides, for sustainable utilization of natural resources through measures that protect the environment. The Protocol on Environment and Natural Resources Management provides for cooperation in management of the environment and natural resources including water resources, biological diversity, wetland resources, forest resources, wildlife, fisheries, genetic resources, and climate change. The Protocol for Sustainable Development of Lake Victoria Basin provides for sustainable development of natural resources including those of lakes. The Convention for Establishment of Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO) provides for harmonization of measures for the sustainable development and management of the living resources of Lake Victoria. The Regional Plan of Action to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing provides measures to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing. The Regional Plan of Action for Management of Fishing Capacity (RPOA Capacity) provided for control of fishing capacity and mechanisms for allocation of fishing capacity. The EAC Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy provides guidelines for sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture in the EAC. 74 7.3 Annex III. Prioritization of proposed interventions H=High (Must be done); M=Medium (Should be done); and L = Low Priority (May be done) Uganda has policies for sustainable use of fisheries resources developed in line with global, continental and regional policies in the national constitution, and in sectoral policies especially of environment, water, wetlands, forests, wildlife, and fisheries. The national constitutions provide for measures to protect and preserve the environment and natural resources and to utilize them in a sustainable manner. The environmental policies provide for conservation and sustainable use of the environment including lakes, rivers, water, wetlands, forests, biodiversity, genetic resources, control of pollution, natural heritage sites, river banks and lake shores, soil, and air quality and provides for Environmental Impact Assessment EIA and audit. The national water policies provide for: planning, use, protection and management of water resources and supply, water permits, waste discharge, effluent discharges, control of water abstraction, water quality monitoring, pollution control, water supply and sewerage treatment and contain water quality standards for different uses. The forestry policy provides for stabilization of ground water, protection of water catchments, reduction in soil erosion and moderation of climate. The wildlife policies provide for sustainable management of wildlife covering wild plants and animals, setting up and management of wildlife protected areas, protection of species, wild life user rights and trade in wildlife. The current fisheries Act is The Fish and Aquaculture Act 2023. It provides for: Conservation, sustainable development and management, utilization and development of the fisheries; Integrated management of the fisheries; Conservation, capture, farming, rearing, processing and marketing of fish and fishery product; Licensing, control and regulation of all fisheries and aquaculture; Fishing methods and gear; Establishment and regulation of lake management organizations; Gazetting of landing sites, and; Regulation of fish breeding areas. Intervention Priority H M L a) Respect, protect human rights and dignity and increase awareness of human rights 26 1 b) Recognize traditional knowledge and practices and apply them appropriately 12 12 3 c) Eliminate discrimination and empower the vulnerable 13 12 2 d) Treat men and women equally and balance support in areas of comparative advantage 16 10 2 e) Rationalize access to fishing rights by all stakeholders 18 8 1 f) Involve all relevant actors in decision making and actions 21 6 g) Increase awareness of existing laws and regulations and apply them equally 23 3 1 h) Be open in all processes and procedures 20 6 1 i) Hold stakeholders accountable for their actions 21 6 j) Promote social, economic, environmental, and resource sustainability 20 7 k) Consider all components of the ecosystem in development of fisheries 19 7 1 l) Be socially responsible to stakeholders within and outside fisheries 10 10 7 m) Consider viability of the fisheries resources before their exploitation 17 8 2 Strategic objective I: Recognizing human rights and responsibilities 74 7.3 Annex III. Prioritization of proposed interventions H=High (Must be done); M=Medium (Should be done); and L = Low Priority (May be done) Uganda has policies for sustainable use of fisheries resources developed in line with global, continental and regional policies in the national constitution, and in sectoral policies especially of environment, water, wetlands, forests, wildlife, and fisheries. The national constitutions provide for measures to protect and preserve the environment and natural resources and to utilize them in a sustainable manner. The environmental policies provide for conservation and sustainable use of the environment including lakes, rivers, water, wetlands, forests, biodiversity, genetic resources, control of pollution, natural heritage sites, river banks and lake shores, soil, and air quality and provides for Environmental Impact Assessment EIA and audit. The national water policies provide for: planning, use, protection and management of water resources and supply, water permits, waste discharge, effluent discharges, control of water abstraction, water quality monitoring, pollution control, water supply and sewerage treatment and contain water quality standards for different uses. The forestry policy provides for stabilization of ground water, protection of water catchments, reduction in soil erosion and moderation of climate. The wildlife policies provide for sustainable management of wildlife covering wild plants and animals, setting up and management of wildlife protected areas, protection of species, wild life user rights and trade in wildlife. The current fisheries Act is The Fish and Aquaculture Act 2023. It provides for: Conservation, sustainable development and management, utilization and development of the fisheries; Integrated management of the fisheries; Conservation, capture, farming, rearing, processing and marketing of fish and fishery product; Licensing, control and regulation of all fisheries and aquaculture; Fishing methods and gear; Establishment and regulation of lake management organizations; Gazetting of landing sites, and; Regulation of fish breeding areas. Intervention Priority H M L a) Respect, protect human rights and dignity and increase awareness of human rights 26 1 b) Recognize traditional knowledge and practices and apply them appropriately 12 12 3 c) Eliminate discrimination and empower the vulnerable 13 12 2 d) Treat men and women equally and balance support in areas of comparative advantage 16 10 2 e) Rationalize access to fishing rights by all stakeholders 18 8 1 f) Involve all relevant actors in decision making and actions 21 6 g) Increase awareness of existing laws and regulations and apply them equally 23 3 1 h) Be open in all processes and procedures 20 6 1 i) Hold stakeholders accountable for their actions 21 6 j) Promote social, economic, environmental, and resource sustainability 20 7 k) Consider all components of the ecosystem in development of fisheries 19 7 1 l) Be socially responsible to stakeholders within and outside fisheries 10 10 7 m) Consider viability of the fisheries resources before their exploitation 17 8 2 Strategic objective I: Recognizing human rights and responsibilities 75 Intervention Priority H M L a) Identify and promote diversification of livelihood options 19 8 b) Build capacity in business skills, savings and financial management through training 21 6 a) Undertake social mobilization against child labour in fishing 23 4 b) Advocate for inclusion of socio-economic services in development plans of government and development partners 23 3 1 c) Promote self-support social economic services within fishing communities 22 3 2 a) Determine and mitigate impacts calamities such as floods, Covid-19, HIV/AIDs 18 7 2 d) Consider gender in all NPOA-SSF interventions and balance support to men and women in areas of comparative advantage 22 5 e) Assess opportunities and threats of blue economy investments to SSFFW 16 11 f) Promote collaboration of blue economy investors in addressing maritime security 14 9 4 g) Advocate for EIAS for blue economy developments where required 16 10 1 h) Advocate for blue economy investments to provide selected socio-economic services 14 12 1 i) Advocate for spatial planning of blue economy investment 20 5 2 Strategic objective III: Promoting socio-economic development Intervention Priority H M L a) Increase awareness, compliance and enforcement of environmental regulations in collaboration with NEMA 23 4 b) Manage wastes (plastic, organic, siltation) in nearshore areas 24 3 c) Protect lake shores and river banks including afforestation 22 3 2 d) Control aquatic weeds using environmentally friendly methods 21 6 e) Protect critical fish habitats especially breeding and nursery areas 27 Strategic objective IV: Managing habitat health Intervention Priority H M L a) Form a Lake Management Organisation LMO on each lake 26 1 b) Acquire land for landing site infrastructure and access to the lake 21 6 c) Develop a database of stakeholders and engage them to participate in fisheries 19 8 d) Form and operationalize an inclusive co-management system 20 5 2 e) Form and network associations in key areas of the value chain 12 13 2 Strategic objective II: Organising governance systems 76 Intervention Priority H M L a) Provide information on how lake productivity processes determine fish production 17 10 b) Develop ecosystem models of individual lakes to guides prediction of their production 20 5 2 c) Survey and stock suitable water bodies based on scientific guidance 18 6 3 d) Provide information on impacts of climate variability and change 17 9 1 e) Promote location specific adaptation and mitigation measures to climate change 16 9 2 f) Establish and manage community aquatic biodiversity conservation areas 17 8 2 Strategic objective V. Applying lake productivity potential Intervention Priority H M L Increasing and sustaining overall production of individual lakes a) Sustain and increase fish production of individual lakes at optimum levels 19 7 1 b) Sustain and increase production of individual commercially important fish species (SPS, Nile perch, Nile tilapia, and Others) in individual lakes 20 7 c) Managing factors that affect fish production (Capacity, IUU fishing, Post- harvest losses, culture based fisheries) 24 3 Increasing production, value addition, and utilisation of small pelagic species (SPS): a) License more boats targeting SPS 22 4 1 b) Develop appropriate technologies for harvesting SPS 20 5 2 c) Increase awareness and skills in handling and processing SPS 20 6 1 d) Provide infrastructure for post-harvest handling of SPS 21 5 1 e) Evaluate and upscale available improved products of SPS 13 12 2 f) Increase awareness of the nutritional value of SPS 15 10 2 g) Provide information on profitable markets for SPS 21 5 1 Sustaining production and value of Nile perch: h) Determine and apply optimal levels of harvest on each lake 21 5 1 i) Comply with and enforce minimum size at harvest of 50 cm 20 6 j) Sustain established efforts in post-harvest handling of Nile perch 19 8 k) Improve processing and utilization of Nile perch by products 18 9 l) Regulate export of fish maws 20 6 1 Sustaining production of Nile tilapia: m) Determine and apply optimal levels of harvest on each lake 21 5 1 n) Comply with and enforce of minimum size at harvest of 28 cm 22 4 1 Sustaining production of other commercial species: Strategic objective VI: Sustaining and increasing fish production, value addition, and utilisation 76 Intervention Priority H M L a) Provide information on how lake productivity processes determine fish production 17 10 b) Develop ecosystem models of individual lakes to guides prediction of their production 20 5 2 c) Survey and stock suitable water bodies based on scientific guidance 18 6 3 d) Provide information on impacts of climate variability and change 17 9 1 e) Promote location specific adaptation and mitigation measures to climate change 16 9 2 f) Establish and manage community aquatic biodiversity conservation areas 17 8 2 Strategic objective V. Applying lake productivity potential Intervention Priority H M L Increasing and sustaining overall production of individual lakes a) Sustain and increase fish production of individual lakes at optimum levels 19 7 1 b) Sustain and increase production of individual commercially important fish species (SPS, Nile perch, Nile tilapia, and Others) in individual lakes 20 7 c) Managing factors that affect fish production (Capacity, IUU fishing, Post- harvest losses, culture based fisheries) 24 3 Increasing production, value addition, and utilisation of small pelagic species (SPS): a) License more boats targeting SPS 22 4 1 b) Develop appropriate technologies for harvesting SPS 20 5 2 c) Increase awareness and skills in handling and processing SPS 20 6 1 d) Provide infrastructure for post-harvest handling of SPS 21 5 1 e) Evaluate and upscale available improved products of SPS 13 12 2 f) Increase awareness of the nutritional value of SPS 15 10 2 g) Provide information on profitable markets for SPS 21 5 1 Sustaining production and value of Nile perch: h) Determine and apply optimal levels of harvest on each lake 21 5 1 i) Comply with and enforce minimum size at harvest of 50 cm 20 6 j) Sustain established efforts in post-harvest handling of Nile perch 19 8 k) Improve processing and utilization of Nile perch by products 18 9 l) Regulate export of fish maws 20 6 1 Sustaining production of Nile tilapia: m) Determine and apply optimal levels of harvest on each lake 21 5 1 n) Comply with and enforce of minimum size at harvest of 28 cm 22 4 1 Sustaining production of other commercial species: Strategic objective VI: Sustaining and increasing fish production, value addition, and utilisation 77 Strategic objective VII: Providing enabling support services Intervention Priority o) Determine the size at first maturity for each species and an appropriate regulation 23 3 1 p) Protect critical habitats of the species especially wetlands 26 1 Managing other factors that affect fish production q) Determine the suitable number of boats and nets per boat on each lake and provide an appropriate regulation to enforce them 16 8 3 r) Issue species specific licenses for the allowable number of boats on each lake 13 11 3 s) Develop a digital system for registration of boats and collection of data 20 5 2 t) Develop guidelines that provide for participation of different stakeholders to participate in MCS and conduct MCS 20 6 1 u) Provide incentives for SSFFW to diversify to aquaculture 18 9 v) Evaluate and upscale existing post-harvest handling technologies 22 5 w) Provide support for post-harvest fisheries infrastructure with emphasis on SPS 25 2 x) Provide information on profitable markets for fish and fishery products and market infrastructure 21 6 Intervention Priority H M L Improving knowledge and skills: a) Generate, package, and disseminate management information, on fish stocks, biology, fish habitat health and productivity, and social economic factors 20 7 b) Train SSFFW to collect management information such as catches (e-CAS) and relay it using mobile phones 18 9 c) Provide management information in popular versions and local languages 17 9 1 d) Identify centres of excellence from which information on fisheries and aquaculture can be accessed 16 9 2 e) Establish online systems and centres for accessing information 20 6 1 f) Establish fora for sharing and accessing information online at different levels of governance 19 8 g) Establish targeted fisheries radio/TV programs at national and LMO levels 18 9 h) Conduct workshops and training to increase awareness and improve kills 19 8 Providing appropriate policies, regulations, and guidelines: i) Undertake extensive sensitisation of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023 and related regulations 25 2 j) Improve existing inappropriate regulations such as that on size of boats on different lakes and fishing gear regulation for SPS 21 6 k) Develop regulations in high priority areas (SPS, post-harvest, trade) 19 8 l) Develop regulations and ordinances for operationalization of LMOs 23 3 1 Improve capacity: m) Define an elaborate institutional structure and functions for LMOs and its linkage to public and private players at local, national and regional governance systems 23 4 78 Strategic objective VIII: Supporting implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and sustainability Intervention Priority n) Provide start-up infrastructure and inputs to LMOs and strengthen existing governance infrastructures 20 7 o) Provide infrastructure to specifically strengthen and support programs of vulnerable groups especially women and youths 23 4 p) Provide start-up personnel to man LMOs and associated community institutions 22 3 2 q) Promote collaboration between LMOs and existing public and private sector institutions 21 5 r) Strengthen existing capacity of local and central government, NGOs and CBOs 20 5 2 s) Convene a donor’s conference to raise funds to kick-start the NPOA-SSF 21 2 3 t) Advocate for inclusion of interventions of NPOA-SSF in local and central government and development partners plans and budgets 22 4 1 u) Develop an appropriate system to generate local revenue from fisheries to run NPOA-SSF interventions especially at community level 23 2 2 Intervention Priority H M L a) Set up regional fisheries offices and network them across the country 23 2 2 b) Set up a LMOs on each lake and network across lake systems 21 6 c) Disseminate the NPOA widely and promote its implementation 22 5 d) Prepare lake specific management plans based on the NPOA framework for implementation at LMO level 21 6 e) Engage institutions defined in the implementation matrix to implement assigned interventions 18 9 f) Coordinate implementation at national and LMO/district levels 19 8 g) Monitor and evaluate the interventions at national, LMO/district levels, and by implementers 20 7 h) Advocate for inclusion the NPOA-SSF interventions in local and national development plans, and set up a self-support system at community level 24 3 79 80 MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, ANIMAL INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES (MAAIF) Plot 16-18, Lugard Avenue, P.O.Box 102, Entebbe (U) Tel. +256 (0) 414320004 | Email: info@agriculture.go.ug Website: www.agriculture.go.ug