Lake Kariba Fishing Depth Reduced From 20 To 17 Metres

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has temporarily reduced the minimum fishing depth in Lake Kariba from 20 to 17 metres, following a slump in kapenta catches.

This measure was first introduced between November and February 2024 in response to falling water levels caused by unusual weather patterns, particularly El Niño.

In a recent notice to kapenta operators, ZimParks director general Edison Gandiwa said the adjustment was necessary because water levels are lower than expected for this time of year. He said:

“ZimParks has been proactively monitoring lake levels, and recent assessments by our research unit indicate that current water levels are lower than expected for this time of the year.

“In light of these findings, the Authority is considering adjustments to water depth restrictions on Lake Kariba to accommodate the diminishing extent of viable fishing grounds.”

Gandiwa said ZimParks has decided to bring back the temporary measures for Lake Kariba’s kapenta fishery that were first introduced in the October 22, 2024, notice, along with the extensions that have since expired. He said:

“Minimum allowable depth to be at 17 metres for the period December 1 to March 31, 2026.

“This intervention will see a continuation of the corresponding monitoring of the catch quality (size of Kapenta caught) from the industry.”

ZimParks said fishers from Basin 1 (Mlibizi) and Basin 2 (Binga) can fish in Basin 3 (Sengwa) waters from 1 December 2025 to 31 March 2026. However, fishers from Basin 3 will not be allowed to fish in Basins 1 and 2 during this period.

Statistics show that kapenta catches have tumbled dramatically, dropping from 30,000 tonnes in the 1990s to just 5,175 tonnes in 2023.

More: The Herald

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