Illegal fishing on the upswing

Illegal fishing on the upswing

Mongu, June 7, 2013, ZANIS…  A  concerned fisherman in Mongu district has appealed to the government to implement a law against illegal fishing in the country.

The fisherman, who declined to be named argues that this is in order to conserve the dwindling stocks of the fish species.

The fisherman residing in sola village in Mongu told ZANIS in an interview today that government should take responsibility and stop the vice.

He noted that the enforcement of the law will enable the fishermen to be responsible for their actions.

And when contacted for a comment, Mongu district fisheries officer  Numel Phiri said the law has been put in place but the challenge is lack of resources to implement it .

Mr Phiri stated that conserving fish should start at the community level as government through stake holders advices them to manage the resources so that everyone can benefit.

He added that there is need for fishermen and traders to form cooperatives through which they can air their grievances.

Mr. Phiri noted that the formation of cooperatives will also help lobby for funds from government in order to expand their businesses.

He further disclosed that the introduction of the fish value chain will assist in monitoring the movement of fish from the point of catch to the outside market.

The use of illegal gear to catch small species of fish has increased in Mongu due to high demand for this size of fish.