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Fishermen, the black empowerment pressure group said, were finding it difficult to pay the fines and stay in business.
Many fishermen have reportedly accrued fines of around US$3 000 from the Parks and Wildlife Authority for straying out of their designated areas and using unsuitable nets among other offences.
Speaking at an AAG Mashonaland West Province chapter stakeholders meeting in Kariba yesterday, provincial chairman Clifford Hlupeko said: “The penalties that Parks is imposing on the fishermen are too high such that some of our indigenous people will soon be out of business.
“This then has the effect of sidelining our people who are beginning to penetrate the fishing industry,” he said.
He said no proper markers existed to alert fishermen of their boundaries. Every breach attracts a fine of about US$570. This is higher than they get for selling their catch.
Fisherman Mr Charles Gosha said they were not against fining offenders but that the fines should be reviewed downwards.
Addressing the gathering, Zanu-PF provincial chairman Cde Robert Sikanyika said people should take advantage of resources in their areas.-The Herald
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