TANZANIA – The fish production in Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second-largest lake by volume, has witnessed a 18% decline over the past four years, according to the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in Tanzania.
The ministry identified overfishing and climate change as the primary factors contributing to this substantial decrease.
Mr. Ambakisye, Chief Fisheries Officer, highlighted that fish production on the Tanzanian side of Lake Tanganyika dropped from 104,178 tonnes in 2020 to 85,180 tonnes in 2023.
“Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing also played a significant role in exacerbating the decline.”
He added that the government has responded to this alarming trend by implementing a three-month suspension of fishing activities in Lake Tanganyika, starting from May 15, 2024.
The objective is to boost the fish population, control illegal fishing practices, address environmental degradation concerns, and ultimately enhance productivity for local fishing communities.
In addition, Deputy Minister for Fisheries and Livestock, Mr. Alexander Mnyeti, announced the suspension in Kasanga Ward along the shoreline of Lake Tanganyika in Kalambo District, Rukwa Region.
He emphasized that the decision was a collaborative effort among Tanzania and its neighboring countries, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia.
Chief Fisheries Officer Mr. Simtoe explained that a survey conducted by the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI) in 2022 revealed that Lake Tanganyika on the Tanzanian side had a population of 144,690 tonnes of ‘migebuka’ and sardines.
Notably, Katavi region experienced a more severe decline, with fish harvests plummeting by 45% from 25,895 tonnes in 2020 to 14,335 tonnes in 2023.
Mr. Simtoe noted that Lake Tanganyika serves as a vital resource for millions of people in Tanzania, Zambia, DRC, and Burundi, offering sustenance and income through its rich aquatic biodiversity.
However, post-harvest losses, poor handling and processing techniques, the impacts of climate change, and unsustainable fishing methods are posing threats to the lake’s future as a reliable source of livelihood and nutrition.
“The government’s proactive measures aim to address these concerns and ensure the long-term sustainability of the lake’s ecosystem.”
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