Lake Hawassa is looking forward to rolling out projects of diverse layers meant to protect Lake Hawassa from over fishing, and environmental strains, says an official in charge of the sector.
With over decades of fishery , starting from 1968 the lake has endured overfishing and related ecological complications, which experts say needs immediate intervention.
The lake is busy accommodating 150 boats owned and operated by 498 members, causing overfishing, pollution, and unchecked development.
Alarmed by the decline, Sidama officials have now unveiled a sweeping rescue plan: a seasonal fishing ban.
A proposed "off-season" project is being proposed to reduce the lake and its several aquatic lives, said tourism, culture and sports bureau deputy head of the Sidama region, Abebe Marmo.
Similar bans in Uganda’s Lake Victoria and Kenya’s Lake Naivasha have revived dwindling fish populations, and Sidama hopes to replicate that success.
"This is about recovery” the official stressed. "It’s about giving the lake a chance to breathe. “He detailed initiatives being rolled out.
The official say the region is working on alternative income programs for members of the fishery association, including temporary work in Lake Cleanup initiatives and fish farming training, while the project goes effective.