Reduced fish stocks worry Ministry of fisheries officials

ZANIS-The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has warned fishermen in Muchinga province that they will be prosecuted if they are caught fishing and selling fish without the right documents during the period of the fishing ban.

Muchinga provincial fisheries officer RAMAS KAYUMU explained in an interview with NAIS that the annual fishing ban is very important as it allows fish to breed and be replenished in water bodies.

Mr. KAYUMU said the period of the fishing ban has been identified as peak time for breeding in the fish life cycle therefore the need to allow it to increase.

He disclosed that fish stocks have been reducing in natural water bodies due to over fishing among other things.

Mr. KAYUMU explained that it is for this reason that fish, which is a cheaper source of protein for most people must be safeguarded during this period so that fishermen will have more catch when the ban is lifted.

He revealed that the ban is in the best interest fishermen as it sustains their source of livelihood.

The Fisheries Officer has since appealed to the fishermen and fish traders to refrain from fishing and trading without papers as the law is very clear on prosecuting offenders.

He has since advised fishermen in the province to take up fish farming as an alternative to over reliance on fishing in the water bodies.

The post Reduced fish stocks worry Ministry of fisheries officials appeared first on .