tHE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Parks Authority) has announced interim measures to support kapenta fishers on Lake Kariba including, among others, reducing the minimum allowable depth for fishing.
In a statement yesterday, Parks Authority director-general Fulton Mangwanya highlighted the authority’s commitment to both community welfare and ecological preservation.
He said the new measures followed careful consideration of requests from operators, including meetings with kapenta associations.
“The authority has decided to implement the following temporary measures for the kapenta industry of Lake Kariba: Reducing the minimum allowable depth to 17 metres from 20 metres for the period of four months from November 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025.
“This intervention will come with a corresponding monitoring of the catch quality (size of kapenta caught) from the industry.
“Fishers from basin 1 (Mlibizi) and 2 (Binga) are allowed to fish in basin 3 (Sengwa) waters. However, the intervention will not allow basin 3 fishers to fish in basins 1 and 2.”
Mangwanya said the decision was aimed at providing immediate relief to fishers facing reduced fishing grounds due to severe drought conditions exacerbated by climate change.
“The four-month concession is designed to help local fishers to adapt to the changing environment while (Parks Authority) undertakes careful monitoring to maintain the lake’s ecological integrity.
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“In a further effort to alleviate spatial constraints, fishers from Matabeleland North’s basins 1 (Mlibizi) and 2 (Binga) will be granted temporary access to basin 3 (Sengwa) waters.
“However, operators in basin 3 will not be allowed to fish in basins 1 and 2. This strategic adjustment underscores the urgent need for climate-resilient strategies that not only support local livelihoods but also prioritise conservation efforts,” he said.
Mangwanya emphasised the importance of compliance with existing permit regulations, ensuring that the fishing practices remain sustainable.
