IN a bid to protect the ecosystem and the fish population on Lake Kariba, Zambia through the Department of Fisheries has announced plans to remove all unregistered rigs operating on the lake.
The move comes after the number of rigs exceeded the scientifically proven sustainable limit of 250, with more than 1 500 rigs operating on the Zambian side of the lake.
Zambia’s chief fisheries officer, Muyangali Kagoli, made the announcement at the Kariba FM Musical Festival, citing the need to regulate the fishing industry and prevent conflicts between fishermen.
“Kapenta Fishers SI 109 mandates every rig operating on the lake to be registered and operators should be licensed,” Kagoli said.
“The decision to remove unregistered rigs has been made because of the increased number of rigs operating on the lake, which has led to conflicts and illegality. We urge all fishermen to comply with the regulations to avoid any penalties.”
He cautioned fishermen against fishing in breeding areas and during the 10-day break, warning that operating unregistered rigs and violating the regulations is a criminal offence.
“We will not tolerate any form of illegal fishing on Lake Kariba,” Kagoli said.
Lake Kariba is a vital source of fish and hydroelectric power for Zimbabwe and Zambia hence its preservation is crucial for the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend on it.
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The lake's ecosystem is facing numerous challenges, including over-fishing, pollution and habitat destruction.
According to the Southern African Development Community protocol, the number of fishing rigs on Lake Kariba should not exceed 500, with 275 rigs allocated to Zimbabwe and 225 to Zambia.
However, the current number of rigs far exceeds this limit, threatening the sustainability of the lake’s fish population.
Siavonga District Commissioner Geoffrey Jakopo has also weighed in on the issue, urging kapenta traders to buy fish using the right channels and avoid violating the law.
The situation in Zimbabwe is no different, with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) having suspended the registration of kapenta fishing rigs in 2020 due to over-fishing.
ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo recently confirmed that the number of rigs on Lake Kariba has exceeded the limit, leading to over-fishing and depletion of the lake's resources.
