Zimbabwe Suspends "With Immediate Effect" The Issuance Of Fishing Licences In Lake Kariba

The government of Zimbabwe has with immediate effect suspended the issuance of fishing licences in Lake Kariba citing overfishing in the Lake.

The development was confirmed by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo who revealed that kapenta fishing rigs in the Lake now exceeded the recommended number. He said:

We can confirm that registration of new kapenta rigs will no longer be approved. The rigs which are operating in Lake Kariba have reached the maximum required number.

We have already passed the 500 kapenta fishing rigs threshold which means 275 rigs on the Zimbabwean side and 225 on the Zambian side. We have already passed that limit. This has led to overfishing of the resources.

Licences are issued per rig. See picture of rigs below.

More: Herald