At least 56 substandard boats and 15 poachers were also arrested during the same period.

The illicit fishing gears and boats were disposed of on Thursday, November 10, in Rutsiro District.

The public destruction was witnessed by officials from Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and members of Rutsiro Fishing Union.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Erias Mwesigye, the Commanding Officer for the Police Marine Unit, said that law enforcement operations and awareness against illegal fishing are continuous.

Illicit fishing nets, he said, are hidden in homes and poaching is largely conducted on the shores.

"Illegal fishing affects fish production and seafood value, but it also causes other security issues such as bribery, violence, theft.

Illicit fishing gears are indiscriminate and kill young fish and are also harmful to the environment," ACP Mwesigye said.

He added that enforcement operations and awareness will be sustained in partnership with and all stakeholders, including local authorities, fishing unions, RAB and local communities.

"We conduct enforcement and security operations; night and day patrols, respond to calls and hold awareness meetings with fishing communities.

We believe these community policing engagements will build stronger cooperation against poachers, who live and hide their illicit fishing nets and boats in the communities."

According to article 30 of the law that govern fisheries, poachers face an imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of between Rwf50,000 and Rwf500,000.