Congo River Choked by Plastic: Fish Lost to Waste

The Congo River, a vital watercourse in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is facing a severe plastic pollution crisis. Fishermen near the capital, Kinshasa, report that their nets are increasingly filled with plastic bottles and used nappies instead of fish. This environmental degradation has led to dwindling catches, with some fishermen abandoning their traditional livelihood as it is more profitable to collect and sell plastic waste. Kinshasa, a megacity of over 17 million, generates at least 10 tonnes of plastic waste daily, much of which enters the river system. Studies indicate that microplastics from this waste are ingested by fish, impacting their health and accumulating in the food chain, posing risks to both wildlife and humans. Despite a 2017 law banning plastic bags and bottles, it is largely ignored due to a lack of enforcement and funding for waste management. Consequently, illegal dumping is rampant, exacerbating the pollution problem. For families reliant on fishing, like those on the island of Kimpoko, earnings have plummeted. Some are resorting to selling collected waste, earning around 40 dollar cents per kilogram, as a means of survival. They hope this difficult choice will provide their children with opportunities for a better future, while others implore authorities to help them access motorized canoes to fish in deeper, less polluted waters.