The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has lifted the annual fishing ban on Lake Tanganyika with immediate effect to facilitate a Catch Assessment Survey scheduled for July 2026 and to review the effectiveness of the fishing ban programme.
In a statement, Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer Benny Munyama says the decision will enable the collection of accurate data on fish catches, fishing effort and the status of fish stocks through active fishing operations.
Mr. Munyama says the lifting of the ban also marks the beginning of a comprehensive review of the fishing ban programme after three years of implementation. He says the review will assess the programme’s impact on fish stock recovery, compliance levels among fishing communities and the socio-economic effects on households that depend on fishing for their livelihoods.
He says the Ministry will engage fishing communities, traditional leaders, local authorities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders as part of the review process, with data collection taking place during the forthcoming cold-dry season Catch Assessment Survey.
Mr. Munyama has meanwhile reminded fishers to comply with all fisheries regulations, including licensing requirements, fishing gear restrictions and measures aimed at curbing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities.
He says findings from the review will guide future fisheries management decisions and support efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of fish stocks in Lake Tanganyika.
By Rachel Mumba
