MANAGEMENT OF THE UPPER ZAMBEZI RIVER FISHERY ( BAROTSE FLOODPLAIN)

INTRODUCTION

Fish are an essential natural resource for ensuring food security, reducing poverty, promoting proper nutrition and as a source of livelihoods and income. They are a major aquatic resource in terms of their contribution to the biological diversity of the river system. The entire Upper Zambezi River Fishery accounts for 13% of the total fish species in the country.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Area and population of the Barotse Floodplain

Area (ha) 550 000Population225 000Households28 000Fishers4380

FISH PRODUCTION ESTIMATES Fish Production estimates based on traded/marketed

fish for the period 2002 to 2012 ranged between 6000 and 8000MT. However, the estimates may not include the fish consumed locally in the floodplain communities.

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 20120

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

9000

Western Province Estimate Fish Production

Fish Production Mt

Time frame (Yearly)

Wei

ght (

MT)

MANAGEMENT SETUP

The Barotse floodplain fishery is co-managed by the Barotse Royal Establishment ( BRE) being the Traditional Authority and the Department of Fisheries ( DoF).

The BRE controls access to the fisheries resource and DoF enforces the Fisheries Regulations and Act.

Stakeholders : include but limited to DoF, BRE, Fishing Communities, Fish traders, Fish Trader Coops, NGOs, CBOs and Fish Conservation Association

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DOF IN FISHERIES MANAGEMENT_ FISHERIES ACT

DoF Mandate: To oversee the implementation of fisheries progammes in capture fisheries and aquaculture development, and enforcement and regulation of the Fisheries Act of 2011 in order to achieve sustainable fisheries industry and benefits.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT_ FISHERIES ACT 2011

Management of the aquatic environment as an asset for present and future generations

Application of the precautionary approach to utilization, management , development and conservation of the fisheries resource based on the best scientific evidence available.

Protection of the ecosystem as a whole including non target species and protection of aquatic biodiversity

Broad, accountable and participatory decision making process.

Fisheries Development Measures

Providing extension and training services Conducting research and surveys Promoting co-operation among fishermen Providing infrastructure facilities; and Stocking waters with fish and supplying fish for

stocking.

CURRENT STATUS Rampant and indiscriminate use of illegal

fishing gears (Sefa Sefa) Depleting fisheries resources Increased incidences of fish poisoning in the

lagoons and small lakes ( Maasa) Increased Conflicts between fishers using

illegal fishing gear (sefa sefa) and those using recommended ones in fishing communities

Some Area Indunas are spearheading the fight against usage of illegal gears.

Fisheries Management Activities Extension visits to fishers and traders Surveillance and Enforcement of the

Fisheries Regulations through patrols Forming and strengthening of Co-

management structures Training and sensitization of fishers on

fisheries regulations Restocking of Small Water Bodies Promoting of fish farming Collecting fish market statistics Collaborating with BRE, NGOs

LuitumeziThank You