15 fishermen arrested for illegally fishing 102 fish species

The Fisheries Department in Chilubi District in Northern Province has arrested fifteen fishermen and confiscated over one hundred kilograms of different fish species.

Chilubi District Fisheries Officer, Richard Moonga confirmed the development to ZANIS.

Mr Moonga said one hundred and two assorted fish species was confiscated from the fishermen who were found fishing during the fish ban.

He said all the suspects ranging from 23 to 52 years of age have since been detained at Chilubi police station and will appear in court soon. 

Mr Moonga further stated that the department had also confiscated 89 illegal fishing gears which included mosquito nets.

 He explained that the fishermen were caught after the department intensified patrols on Lake Bangweulu following the routine fish ban period which government effected on December 1 this year.

Mr Moonga expressed disappointment with the local community for fishing illegally despite the ban and warned that his office will engage other government security wings to enforce the ban.