By Machona Kasambala
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has with immediate effect imposed a fishing ban on Lake Tanganyika.
Fisheries and Livestock Minister MAKOZO CHIKOTE says the fishing ban which comes in effect today the 15th of May 2023, will run for a period of three months up to 15th August, 2024.
Mr. CHIKOTE says the government has decided to impose the fishing ban on Tanganyika to allow the fish to reproduce freely without any disturbance.
The Minister says following the success of last year’s inaugural closure, there has been an unprecedented increase in fish catches which has necessitated the government to impose the ban this year to allow the fish population to increase further.
Mr. CHIKOTE says the theme for this year’s fishing ban ‘Let the communities act’ will emphasize the crucial role of the fishing community in enforcing the fishing ban as they are the primary beneficiaries from Lake Tanganyika.
He has disclosed that Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo who share Lake Tanganyika are equally putting in frantic efforts to close the lake to all fishing activities and reduce the incidences of border jumping by fishers from other countries.