By Cathleen Muchena
Zimbabwe is taking bold steps to unlock the full potential of its fisheries and aquaculture industries with the introduction of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, a comprehensive legal framework aimed at ensuring sustainable development and economic growth within the sector.
Mr Milton Tinashe Makumbe, Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production at the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MLAFWRD), spoke about the transformative potential of the bill, highlighting its role in creating a more robust and forward-thinking framework for Zimbabwe’s fisheries sector.
“The Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill is a significant milestone for our country’s fisheries and aquaculture industries,” said Makumbe.
“Currently, the fisheries sector operates under the Parks and Wildlife Act, which primarily focuses on conservation. However, this bill addresses the gaps by promoting sustainable development, aligning with our vision of a US$1 billion fisheries industry in the future.”
Addressing Key Challenges in the Sector
The bill is poised to tackle several critical challenges faced by the industry, including overexploitation of resources, lack of adequate regulation, and insufficient services for fish farmers. According to Makumbe, the bill will introduce regulations to manage these issues, ensuring a sustainable approach to resource use and improved services for stakeholders.
“One of the key provisions of this bill is the regulation of activities within the sector. We’ll be introducing measures such as licensing, vessel monitoring, and enhanced surveillance on Lake Kariba to prevent overfishing and encourage responsible fishing practices,” he explained.
Aquaculture Development Takes Center Stage
Aquaculture, which involves the cultivation of fish, seaweed, freshwater lobsters, and even crocodiles for their belly skins, will be a major focus under the new bill. Zimbabwe, with over 10,000 dams and a climate conducive to aquaculture, is uniquely positioned to expand this industry.
“Zimbabwe has vast untapped potential for aquaculture, and this bill will help us realize that potential. We plan to support the growth of aquaculture, including the cultivation of fish, seaweed, and other aquatic products,” Makumbe said.
Lake Kariba’s Role in Sustainable Fishing
A key feature of the bill is its emphasis on Lake Kariba, a shared water body between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The government has already launched a vessel monitoring system aimed at regulating vessels operating on the lake, ensuring sustainable fishing practices are adhered to.
“Lake Kariba is an essential resource for both Zimbabwe and Zambia, and with this bill, we’ll be able to regulate vessels on the lake more effectively. This will help preserve fish populations and prevent overexploitation, ensuring the lake continues to support local communities and the economy,” Makumbe noted.
Looking Ahead to a Bright Future
In conclusion, Makumbe expressed optimism that the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill will not only foster growth and sustainability within the sector but also contribute to Zimbabwe’s overall economic development.
“This bill is a step toward achieving long-term sustainability and food security, while also providing economic opportunities for our people. We are confident that, once fully implemented, it will revolutionize Zimbabwe’s fisheries and aquaculture industries, driving growth and job creation across the country,” he said.
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill is expected to be a cornerstone for the future of Zimbabwe’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors, creating a solid foundation for both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
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