ZKPA: Urges Zimbabwe Kapenta Rig Cap on Lake Kariba

• Kapenta stocks in Lake Kariba are under threat from a surge in fishing rigs, including illegal operations.
• The Zimbabwe Kapenta Producers Association (ZKPA) reports overfishing and advocates for a reduction in the number of rigs.
• Research indicates declining catch per unit effort and links reduced Kapenta income to food insecurity in local communities.
• Zimbabwe currently has about 470 licensed rigs, while Zambia operates over 2,000.
• The Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development will meet stakeholders to discuss a potential Kapenta rig cap and a closed fishing season.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development is poised to convene with fisheries stakeholders next month to deliberate on potential measures, including a cap on fishing rigs and the implementation of a closed season.

Kapenta stocks in Lake Kariba are currently facing significant pressure, primarily due to a surge in fishing activity. The Zimbabwe Kapenta Producers Association (ZKPA) has voiced serious concerns regarding the proliferation of fishing rigs, including those operating illegally, which are intensifying the strain on the small, sardine-like fish. Nesbert Mapfumo, the ZKPA secretary-general, highlighted that the sheer number of vessels actively fishing for Kapenta is leading to substantial pressure on existing stocks, indicating a clear issue of Kapenta overfishing in Lake Kariba.

Zimbabwe currently accounts for approximately 470 licensed fishing rigs on the lake. In stark contrast, neighboring Zambia operates more than 2,000 rigs. This disparity, coupled with the presence of illegal fishing Lake Kariba, contributes to the overall increase in fishing effort. The ZKPA is actively engaging with the government to address this challenge, advocating for a reduction in the number of operational rigs to safeguard the future of the Kapenta fishery.

Academic research consistently links increased fishing pressure to a decline in productivity within the Kapenta fishery. A study conducted by the University of Zimbabwe, spanning from 1997 to 2009, observed a significant drop in the catch per unit effort on the Zimbabwean side of Lake Kariba, falling from 0.6 to 0.13. This research concluded that controlling fishing effort is crucial for the sustainability of the resource.

The implications of this decline extend beyond ecological concerns, directly impacting the livelihoods and food security of communities surrounding Lake Kariba. Kapenta serves as a vital source of both nutrition and income for these populations. Further research conducted in Zimbabwe’s Sanyathi basin has underscored that fishing remains a primary livelihood for many residents, and the diminishing income derived from this activity has exacerbated food insecurity in the region. Moreover, earlier regional fisheries assessments have also identified heightened fishing effort, illegal practices, and the use of undersized nets as key factors contributing to the overall reduction in catches.

In response to these pressing concerns, the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development is scheduled to hold a crucial Ministry of Agriculture fisheries meeting next month. This gathering will bring together various fisheries stakeholders to deliberate on potential regulatory interventions aimed at preserving Kapenta stocks and ensuring the long-term viability of the industry.

Key topics on the agenda for discussion include the implementation of a Zimbabwe Kapenta rig cap Lake Kariba, which would limit the total number of fishing vessels allowed to operate. Additionally, the possibility of introducing a Zimbabwe closed fishing season will be explored, providing a period for fish stocks to recover. These proposed Lake Kariba fishing regulations Zimbabwe represent significant steps towards addressing the overfishing crisis and are expected to shape the future operational landscape for all involved in the Kapenta fishery.

Lawyers advising clients in Zimbabwe's fishing industry, particularly around Lake Kariba, should monitor upcoming Ministry discussions regarding potential caps on fishing rigs and closed seasons. These deliberations could lead to new regulatory compliance requirements, licensing changes, or operational restrictions for their clients in the near future.

Source: Original reporting via {source}