Government says over 1 million Zambians earn their livelihoods through aquaculture.
Speaking during the commemoration of world fisheries Day in Kafue district today, Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Peter Kapala however bemoaned the decline in fish sticks due to bad fishing practices.
Eng. Kapala says while fish had been declining in Zambian rivers, the demand for fish is on the increase as well.
He has commended key stakeholders that have continued to support the government in developing the aquaculture sector.
Minister of Fisheries and livestock Hon Peter Kapala today celebrated World Fisheries day 2024 under the theme SAVE FISH,EAT FISH.
The commemoration was attended by WWF,giz, African Parks and other Stakeholders to reflect on the gains made by the sector by highlighting the importance of sustainable utilization of fish stocks.
The Collaboration between Fish and tourism cannot be separated because fishing tourism is one of the many areas that can be explored by fishermen who look for areas such as in the abundant natural resources of water that the country has to offer.
He said,the establishment of the Aqua culture research institute of Zambia(ARIZ) is another milestone and demonstration by Government that research in fisheries is important and needs to be enhanced, through genetic improvement (GIP).
In this regard Acua culture tourism can be extended to fish farms for the benefit of how tourism can reap from such tourism with the inclusion of fishing tourism where fishermen and those interested in fishing can explore various water bodies.
And FAO Country representative for Zambia Suze Filippini says 49 percent of women in Zambia are engaged in fishing, but however fail to access finances.
Ms. Filippini says Climate change and pollution pose a serious threat to the aquaculture sector.
Meanwhile, African Parks, Kafue National Park Manager, Craig Reid says they are partnering with fisheries department and the Nature conservancy in supporting the aquaculture sector.
Mr. Reid says the Kafue National Park has a significant fishery component in order to develop a fishery management plan for the community.
He said, African Parks is directly involved in the Zambian Governments management of Kafue National Park.
Mr Reid further disclosed that the Kafue National Park has a very significant component which is the fisheries and artson fisheries which is helping a lot of community members working closely with stakeholders so that a robust fisheries plan can be developed to ensure that the fish resource is protected for the future in a sustainable way and for the park use.
