Zambia targets fishing rigs on Lake Kariba

Zambia's Department of Fisheries has announced plans to remove all unregistered fishing rigs from Lake Kariba as part of efforts to protect the lake's ecosystem and preserve fish stocks.

The decision follows a surge in the number of rigs operating on the Zambian side of the lake, which has exceeded the sustainable limit of 250 rigs. Over 1,500 rigs are currently active, posing a serious threat to the environment and the livelihoods that depend on the lake.

Zambia's chief fisheries officer, Muyangali Kagoli, made the announcement during the Kariba FM Musical Festival, stressing the need for regulation to prevent conflicts and restore order in the fishing industry.

"Kapenta Fishers SI 109 mandates every rig operating on the lake to be registered and licensed," Kagoli said. "The decision to remove unregistered rigs has been made because of the increased number of rigs operating on the lake, which has led to conflicts and illegality. We urge all fishermen to comply with the regulations to avoid penalties."

He warned that operating unregistered rigs, fishing in breeding zones, or violating the 10-day fishing ban are criminal offences that would not be tolerated.

Lake Kariba, shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe, is a vital source of fish and hydroelectric power for both nations. However, it faces mounting environmental challenges, including overfishing, pollution, and habitat degradation.

Under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) protocol, the total number of rigs allowed on Lake Kariba should not exceed 500 - with 275 allocated to Zimbabwe and 225 to Zambia. The current figures on both sides of the lake surpass this threshold, threatening long-term sustainability.

Siavonga District Commissioner Geoffrey Jakopo also urged kapenta traders to use approved channels when buying fish, warning against illegal trading activities.

In Zimbabwe, the situation mirrors that of Zambia. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) suspended the registration of new kapenta rigs in 2020 due to overfishing. ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo recently confirmed that the number of rigs has again exceeded the permitted limit, leading to depletion of fish stocks and endangering the lake's ecological balance.