adminWalter Nyamukondiwa
Kariba Bureau
Zimbabwe has developed a robust fisheries management plan to bolster sustainable use of the Lake Kariba fishery so that the 41 fishing camps and villages along the southern shore can feed their communities and produce commercial surpluses for sale without overfishing wrecking the industry.
The Lake Kariba Inshore Fisheries Management Plan, launched in Kariba on Monday, seeks to mitigate against the impact of climate change and reduce illegal activities including poaching.
With Zimbabweans eating on average just 0,8kg to 1,2kg of fish protein each every year, compared to others in the region eating regional countries who average 6kg per year, interventions are needed to promote better harvesting and consumption on fish,
The management plan is expected to improve the livelihoods of people in 41 fishing camps and villages along Lake Kariba’s southern shoreline.
It seeks to tighten the fisheries regulatory framework through co-management with ZimParks, who can provide the necessary research for sustainable fisheries.
Fishers have welcomed the plan as key in improving the viability of the fishing sector which is plagued by dwindling catches attributed to climate change and illegal fishing.
Fisher Mrs Eneresi Ndodo said the plan has opened communication channels between fishers and Zimparks for effective management of the Lake Kariba resource.
“I have been in the fishing industry for 23 years, operating at Msambakaruma Fishing Camp and development of the management plan is a key milestone in promoting sustainable fishing,” said Mrs Ndodo.
“Catches have been dropping over the years and we hope with implementation of the plan we should see an improvement.”
Nyaminyami District Fishers Associations chairperson Mr Tichaona Manzungu said proper and inclusive regulation of the Lake Kariba fisheries was key in reversing the current decline.
“We applaud the wide consultations undertaken in coming up with the document as fishers gave their input,” said Mr Manzungu.
Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu, in a speech read by director in the Ministry Dr Prosper Matondi, said the management plan was the beginning of the Blue Revolution in the country.
“The launching today of this plan marks the beginning of a new era of sustainable fishing practices which will ensure that future generations will benefit from the fishery of this lake,” he said.
“In this context the government has provided an enduring plan for recovery and growth of the fish sector within Vision 2030, and the successor plan that is NDS II to 2030+, which in this context builds into the fisheries plan to 2032 with this fisheries plan.”
He said there was a need to promote sustainable fishing and productivity, accessibility, distribution in markets, and ensuring increased access to more fish protein.
The region, he said, had a huge market for fish and the fisheries sector in the country should ramp up production to meet the export quota.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), who funded the programme, said climate change had emerged as a major challenge for Lake Kariba and other fisheries. FAO fisheries and aquaculture officer Mr Vasco Schmidt said small scale fisheries worldwide were facing challenges.
“Research conducted in Lake Kariba has shown that increasing temperatures affect fisheries productivity and the fluctuating lake water levels affect the actual fishing activities by fishery-dependent communities,” said Mr Schmidt.
“Enhancing sustainability of small-scale fisheries of Lake Kariba is necessary for improving fisheries management and also improving availability of fish for food security and economic growth.”
The event also saw the signing of the Kariba Declaration pledging to fully implement the seven pillars of the management plan.
Online Reporter