GOVT WARNS AGAINST ILLEGAL FISHING PRACTICES

THERE is need to ensure that the fisheries resources are well managed and protected at all times and allow the fish production to increase, Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Makozo Chikote has said.

Speaking to The Scoop, Mr. Chikote said striking the balance is never an easy undertaking given that different sections of societies have valent perceptions hence respond differently to the fish ban when announced.

“Exploiting our fisheries resources sustainably entails striking a balance between the social needs of communities attaining economic benefits from the resources and ensuring that the environment from which these resources are harvested are well managed and protected,” he said.

He said the fish ban is a rest period for the reconstitution of the fish stocks in lakes and rivers following the long period of the uninterrupted fish harvest.

“The fish ban is intended to allow the fish to reproduce and increase its productivity without being disturbed leading to replenishing of the fish stocks in the lakes for improved household food security, income and livelihoods. Therefore, we would like to discourage the illegal and destructive use of fishing gears and methods when the fish ban comes to an end on 29th February, 2024.

The use of monofilament nets is not allowed in Zambia and despite it being an illegal fishing gear it is so rampant among our fishermen. As we prepare to open our fisheries on the 1st of March, 2024, we hereby warn fishers to discontinue with the use of illegal fishing gears,” he said.

He said his Ministry will ensure the vice of using illegal fishing gears comes to an end adding that the traders of illegal nets are encouraged to stop importing and trading the illegal fishing gears.

“We encourage all traders in the business of selling and importing illegal fishing gear to restrain from this activity as such acts are considered unlawful,” he said.

He added that during the fish ban illegal trading and transportation of fish is currently prohibited in the country to allow the fish to reproduce during its peak season of reproduction.

“We have deployed our men and women in uniform to monitor all fishing activities throughout the country and ensure that anyone found abrogating the law will be brought to book and face the charges. We will ensure that no fish or fish products will be transported as there will be water and land patrols conducted,” he said.