Effects of Fishing Restictions on Lake Mweru

The Government Republic of Zambia (GRZ) has introduced strict measures on controlling of illegal fishing on Lake Mweru, which borders the Country of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Zambia. 20/11/2009

Fishermen from both the Zambian side and Congo DRC had been practicing illegal means of fishing such as the use of Domestic explosives, mosquito nets and Traditional fish poison locally known as (ububa). The use of such methods have lead to depression of fish stocks in lake Mweru and Luapula River, which act as a border between these two African Countries.

Every year, from 31st December to the last week of March, the Zambian Government lifts a ban on all small scale and commercial fisheries to give chance fish to breed. These measures are put in place by Government in an effort to restore fish stocks in fish breeding areas, however, these measures are mainly implemented without linking local communities along the lake.

The effects of fish stock depression has left many households very poor, the lake that was a “gold mine” of fishes is now used for domestic chores, car washing, swimming and bathing as main the activities. A single catch attracts attention amongst fishing partners, fishing boats are now used for drying coverlets. As a result of this fish ban, fishermen who depend on fishing as the only means of income now usually sneak in the night to do their fishing and sell their catch in the early hours of the day to avoid being arrested.

And illegal fishermen in the Republic of Congo are severally punished and fined enormous amounts of money. Failure to pay results in the culprits being imprisoned for a long time before being realized, unlike with the Zambian Government.

The Zambian Government has distributed farming inputs such as fertilizers and seeds to fishermen living along Lake Mweru in Chienge District of Zambia, to encourage them take up farming as a substitute during this year’s fish ban.
The Zambian Government has encouraged diversification of income generating activities for fishermen who depend on fishing as fish stocks are depressing at a high rate.

Meanwhile the Zambian Government, through the Department of Fisheries, has launched 24 Marine boats in 24 different community Zones. The 24 Marine boats are meant for the supervision and monitoring of fishing from 31st December to March, 2010 fish ban season.
Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Mr. Jazzman Chikwakwa kicked off the launch of the 24 Banana boats on behalf of the Zambian Government in Chienge on 20th November, 2009 to ensure the approaching fish ban effective. Scores of both children and adults from the communities surrounding Lake Mweru, attended the launch which was held on the banks of the lake.