ZimParks reduces Kariba fishing depth

Edgar Vhera

Agriculture Specialist Writer

THE Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has temporarily reduced the minimum allowable fishing depth from 20 metres to 17 for four months to monitor the catch quality (size of kapenta) from the industry.

This comes as water levels in Lake Kariba have been declining due to the El Nino-induced drought with the new intervention measures expected to stretch from November 1 and February 28 next year.

In a notice to kapenta operators on Lake Kariba yesterday, ZimParks director general Dr Fulton Mangwanya said Government was acting to alleviate fishermen’s plight of low catches caused by declining water levels.

“Following careful consideration to requests from kapenta operators and through meetings with kapenta association, the authority has decided to reduce the minimum allowable depth to 17 metres from 20.

“This intervention will come with a corresponding monitoring of the catch quality (size of kapenta) from the industry,” he said.

Because of declining water levels, basin 1 has since been closed for fishing with permit holders moved to either basin 2 or 3.

Said Dr Mangwanya: “Fishers from basin 1 (Mlibizi) and 2 (Binga) are allowed to fish in basin 3 (Sengwa) waters although this intervention will not allow basin 3 fishers to fish in basins 1 and 2. Fishers are, however, expected to adhere to all the other terms and conditions of their permits.”

The temporary variations in minimum fishing depth for kapenta fishing is an adaptive measure to reduced fishing grounds due to climate change.

This comes as a great relief to fishermen who earlier in the year had fishing rigs impounded and were fined US$2 000 per unit for fishing in depths lower than 20 metres. Over 50 fishermen have been penalised this year alone.

A group representing kapenta fishers, Zimbabwe Kapenta Producers Association (ZKPA), said they were happy with the temporary directive.

ZKPA vice chairman Mr Bernard Munsaka applauded ZimParks for allowing them to fish in depths of 17 metres after initial negotiations to be allowed to fish at 18 metres had reached a deadlock.

“We also applaud ZimParks for prohibiting basin 3 permit holders from fishing in basin 2 because of their large numbers. We hope to review the situation after four months to ensure suitability of the kapenta industry,” he said.

ZKPA sought audience with ZimParks in Harare last year and highlighted the issue of declining water levels in the lake, which had resulted in the loss of fishing ground.

“Due to the problem of shallow water, fishermen were crowding the few deeper areas causing overfishing in such locations. Notable areas in this situation are Simmatelele and Kampaka sijalila in basin 2 as well as Nsengwa/Makuyu, Zinyama and Chibuyu in basin 3,” said Mr Munsaka.

Added Mr Munsaka: “We call upon ZimParks to exempt areas inside the lake from being declared non-fishing zones for lack of depth, as this is being caused by the declining water levels due to natural causes.”