By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
In a significant move to safeguard the future of Lake Kariba’s Kapenta fishing industry, Zimbabwe has signed the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC) Charter.
This landmark agreement makes Zimbabwe the 13th nation to join the initiative, aimed at combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices that have plagued the region.
For years, the Kapenta industry has been vital to Zimbabwe’s food security and economy, employing thousands and producing over 20,000 tons annually. However, overfishing and IUU practices have threatened the industry’s sustainability.
“Fish catches on Lake Kariba and other inland dams have been declining, and sizes of fish being caught are shrinking,” said Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka.
“Effective regional coordination will improve sustainable management of our fisheries resources.”
Zimbabwe’s journey to signing the MCSCC Charter began in 2017 with a pilot vessel monitoring system, in partnership with Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and supported by the Food Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) through the PROFISHBLUE project.
Dr. Motseki Hlatshwayo, Technical Advisor for Fisheries at the SADC Secretariat, emphasized the urgency: “IUU fishing costs the SADC region around USD 400 million annually, threatening fish stocks, markets, governance, and livelihoods.”
The MCSCC Charter addresses these challenges through:
– Enhanced monitoring and control
– Regional cooperation
– Sustainable management
By joining forces with SADC nations, Zimbabwe demonstrates its commitment to protecting Lake Kariba’s resources and ensuring the Kapenta industry’s long-term viability.
“This is a crucial step towards securing our fishing industry’s future,” said Dr Masuka.
With the MCSCC Charter in place, Zimbabwe and its regional partners can work together to safeguard the Kapenta industry, supporting livelihoods and food security for generations to come.
About Author
