Zimbabwe to introduce Kapenta to other dams to red...

Zimbabwe to introduce Kapenta to other dams to reduce pressure on Kariba

Ziimbabwean authorities are looking at introducing kapenta to other dams to boost production and allow Kariba stocks to replenish

“Assessments on other large water bodies are in place in preparation of Kapenta introductions to boost the fish production capacity of the country,” Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development’s acting deputy director Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Mr Milton Makumbe told a local publication.

This follows gradually declining catches over the past two decades reaching a 400 percent reduction record last year from a peak in 1999.

Records show that Kapenta was introduced from Lake Tanganyika between 1967 and 1969. This became a lucrative industry for Zimbabwe and Zambia with the small fish becoming a staple for both countries.

Mr Makumbe said Zimbabwe and Zambia are working out mechanisms to regulate fishing rigs on the Kariba to stop overfishing and ensure sustainability.

Mr Makumbe said Kapenta introduction to other dams will boost the fish production capacity of the country.

He said this will help address low capture fisheries production in main water bodies that have begun to benefit from the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme.

Mr Makumbe said the restocking programme is a community based initiative which involves training in sustainable harvest as well as the institution of dam committees as guardians of common interests.

He said annual national demand is at 30 000 tonnes and production is at 14 000 tonnes, thus giving room for growth in the industry.