1.7 Tools, Equipment and Materials in Fishing Operations

Fishing operations in Kenya depend heavily on the appropriate selection and maintenance of tools, equipment, and materials. These elements directly influence the success of fishing activities, the quality of the catch, and the sustainability of fish stocks. Whether operating in Lake Victoria, the Indian Ocean, or inland reservoirs, fisheries professionals must be proficient in identifying and handling the gear suited for different fishing methods and environments.

1.7.1 Common Tools Used in Fishing Operations

Fishing tools are essential implements that assist fishers in capturing, handling, and processing fish. Their design and functionality vary according to the type of fishing practiced, such as artisanal, commercial, or industrial operations. In Kenya, fishers working in lakes and coastal zones rely on an array of hand tools that enhance efficiency and safety.

Common Fishing Tools

• Knives: These are indispensable for gutting, cleaning, and filleting fish. A sharp, corrosion-resistant blade improves processing speed and hygiene at landing sites like Kisumu fish markets.
• Measuring Tapes: Used to measure fish sizes to ensure compliance with legal size limits set by the Fisheries Management and Development Act, 2016, preventing the capture of undersized fish.
• Fish Scales: Portable weighing scales help determine the weight of the catch for pricing and record-keeping in fish trading hubs such as Mombasa’s fish landing beaches.
• Hooks and Lines: Basic handline fishing employs various hook sizes and types depending on target species, such as tilapia or Nile perch in Lake Victoria.
• Gaff Hooks: Useful for securing large fish when bringing them aboard boats, especially in deepwater fishing vessels operating off the Kenyan coast.

Fishing tools require regular maintenance to prevent rust and damage. For instance, knives should be cleaned with freshwater after use and sharpened frequently to maintain cutting efficiency.

1.7.2 Fishing Equipment Specifications and Uses

Fishing equipment refers to larger, often mechanical or gear-based implements used for catching fish. The selection depends on target species, fishing environment, and gear type, such as nets or traps. In Kenyan fisheries, equipment ranges from small-scale gillnets to industrial trawlers’ gear.

These equipment types are selected carefully to match the fishing environment. For example, the use of gillnets in Lake Turkana targets specific fish sizes to avoid bycatch, while longlines are preferred off Malindi for their selectivity and minimal habitat impact.

1.7.3 Materials Used in Manufacturing Fishing Gear

The materials used to manufacture fishing gear influence its durability, effectiveness, and environmental impact. Kenyan fisheries increasingly adopt synthetic materials to improve gear lifespan and reduce maintenance costs, although traditional materials remain in use in some rural areas.

Key Materials

• Nylon and Polyethylene: Commonly used for nets and lines due to their strength, flexibility, and resistance to water damage. These materials are widely used by SACCO-supported fishing cooperatives around Lake Victoria.
• Bamboo and Rattan: Traditional materials for constructing fish traps and baskets. They are biodegradable and locally sourced but require regular replacement due to wear.
• Stainless Steel: Used for hooks, gaffs, and some boat components to prevent corrosion in marine environments like the Kenyan coast.
• Cotton and Natural Fibres: Historically used for nets but largely phased out due to susceptibility to rot and shorter lifespan.
• Rubber and Plastics: Utilized in floats and buoys attached to nets to maintain their position in the water column.

Proper selection of materials affects fishing efficiency and environmental sustainability. For instance, the transition from cotton to nylon nets in Lake Naivasha has reduced net damage and fish loss, benefiting both fishers and conservation efforts.

1.7.4 Maintenance and Handling of Fishing Tools and Equipment

Maintaining fishing tools and equipment is critical to prolonging their usability and ensuring safe operations. Poor maintenance can lead to gear failure, loss of catch, and increased operational costs, which negatively impact livelihoods in fishing communities.

Maintenance Practices

• Cleaning: After each fishing trip, gear should be rinsed with clean water to remove salt, mud, and organic residues that accelerate wear. For example, fishers at Kilifi County clean their nets to prevent rot and fouling.
• Inspection: Regular checks for tears, broken hooks, or damaged lines allow timely repairs, preventing gear loss or decreased catch efficiency.
• Storage: Fishing gear should be stored in dry, shaded areas to avoid UV damage and moisture accumulation that degrade material strength.
• Repair: Skilled fishers or cooperatives often carry out net mending and hook replacement to maintain gear integrity. For instance, community groups around Lake Baringo organize workshops to train members on net repair techniques.
• Lubrication: Mechanical parts on boats and winches require periodic lubrication to avoid rust and mechanical failure during fishing operations.

Adhering to proper maintenance protocols reduces operational downtime and supports sustainable fishing practices by minimizing gear waste and environmental pollution.

Chapter Summary

This chapter explored various types of fishing gear, highlighting their unique features and materials which influence their performance and durability. It examined the specific areas where different fishing gear and accessories are most effectively utilized, ensuring optimal catch rates. The discussion included factors that determine the effectiveness of fishing gear, emphasizing how appropriate selection enhances productivity. Attention was given to the environmental impact of fishing gear on marine ecosystems, underscoring the need for sustainable practices. The importance of personal protective equipment in fishing operations was addressed to safeguard fishers during activities. Essential tools, equipment, and materials required for successful fishing operations were outlined to support efficient workflows. Identifying productive fishing grounds was explained as a critical step in maximizing harvests. Finally, the chapter detailed various fishing methods, proper procedures for deploying gear, and calculations related to gear volume, costs, size, towing warp length, and trawl winch capacity to ensure safe and effective fishing operations.