Fisheries Management on Lake Kariba Wilson Mhlanga

Map of Lake Kariba

Kariba Dam Wall

Introduction After WW II, increased dam construction for hydroelectric power in growing economies. Example in Southern Africa – Lake Kariba on Zambezi (1958). Built during Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Emergence of secondary economic activities (tourism, fisheries, livestock/crop production and water transport). Management of natural resources that supported these activities was assigned to multiple institutions. Presentation will focus on management of the fishery sector.

Background The fishery can be considered in terms of Capture Fishery and Aquaculture. In this presentation, the focus is on the Capture fishery. The Capture fishery can further be sub-divided into the Kapenta fishery and the Artisanal fishery Kapenta Fishery exploits the introduced Limnothrissa miodon. The artisanal fishery exploits the Zambezi River species such as Tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus) and the Bream species (mainly Oreochromis mortimeri) and the exotic Oreochromis niloticus.

Management Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate (via Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority) Lake Kariba Fisheries Research Institute is responsible for management on the Zimbabwean side of the Lake (Department of Fisheries on the Zambian side) Principal Legislation is the Parks and Wildlife Act of 1975 (as amended). All subsidiary legislation for fisheries management is based on this Act.

Kapenta Management Entry into the fishery regulated through a licencing system (Fishing effort regulation). Each permit stipulates the maximum number of fishing vessels (fishing rigs) that are allowed to fish at any time Permit holders are allowed to own spare rigs. Permits are not transferable (but may be leased) Permit holders may be companies, individuals or co- operatives and they pay an annual licence fee. Permit stipulates the area (Basin) to be fished Fishing is permitted in designated areas, with some areas closed to fishing. Closed areas include the Leisure bay area in Sanyati Basin

Kapenta Management Fishing also prohibited in waters less than 20 metres deep. No fishing during the full-moon period ( since February 2015) Fishing also not allowed in areas where there are resort facilities such as hotels or lodges that are along the lake- front. Minimum mesh size on nets is 8mm. Permit-holders have to submit monthly records of fish catches and fishing effort to Lake Kariba Fisheries Research Institute (for management purposes). Major contentious issue is the number of licenced fishing rigs in Zambia and Zimbabwe. (transboundary fisheries management)

Kapenta Rigs

Artisanal Fisheries Management Entry into the fishery is through a licencing system (Effort regulation) The fishing gear is the gill-net. In areas under the jurisdiction of the local authorities (Nyami Nyami and Binga), the local authority is granted a Block permit stipulating maximum number of permits and these permits are then allocated to individual fishers. In all other areas, Parks (ZPWMA) allocates fishing permits. Each permit stipulates the maximum number of gill-nets to be used as well as the maximum length of gill-net Minimum mesh size is 102mm (4-inches)

Artisanal Fisheries Management Fishers are supposed to use only cotton gill-nets and not nylon gill-nets. The fishers reside in fishing camps and these fishing camps are in designated fishing areas along the Lakeshore. No fishing is allowed in waters that are along National Parks (e.g. Matusadonha National Park). Historically, there was a Catch and effort enumeration programme (for management purposes) which has since ceased. A data collection system implemented by the fishers was introduced, but this is now only still operational in a few fishing villages in the Sanyati Basin (e.g. Gache Gache) Ministry of Energy and Water Development – Procurement of firewood and charcoal

Artisanal Fisheries Management Fisheries Co-management was introduced in the 1990s but this is no longer being implemented on the Zimbabwean side (but is being implemented on the Zambian side). Some conflicts occur between Zambian and Zimbabwean fishers especially in the Binga/Mlibizi area.

Conclusion Fisheries Management system has been in place since the creation of the dam and hence there is need for a policy and management review to bring it in line with current international best practices (e.g. FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries). Lessons can be learnt from the Co-management approach that is in place on the Zambian side of the lake. Any fisheries management that is implemented must ensure stakeholder participation as well as sustainability (e.g. economic, ecological sustainability)

THANK YOU