Fish production on Lake Tanganyika has seen a remarkable surge, tripling following the lifting of a three-month fishing ban imposed last May. The ban, aimed at protecting the lake’s fish resources, has had a significant positive impact, particularly on the Tanzanian side of the lake, where production has increased from 4,700 tonnes per month in 2023 to 15,000 tonnes per month.
The suspension, which lasted from May to September, was a collaborative decision between Tanzania and its neighboring countries, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia. The fishing suspension has paid off, with more substantial catches now available, which is benefiting local fishermen and the broader fishing industry.
Dr. Ashantu Kijaji, Tanzania’s Minister for Fisheries and Livestock, highlighted the success of the initiative, emphasizing its positive outcomes after a visit to Alpha Tanganyika Flavour, a fish processing firm based in Sumbawanga town, Rukwa. The firm, which had previously halted production in 2022 due to a shortage of fish, is now seeing a revival in its operations thanks to the increased fish supply.
However, the company still faces challenges, including the effects of climate change, which have caused flooding of its fish collection centers in Rukwa and Kigoma regions. Despite these hurdles, Alpha Tanganyika Flavour has received substantial orders, including a 30-container export order, and is working with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to address the issue of low fish collection by expanding its collection centers.
Lake Tanganyika, which is the deepest and longest freshwater lake in Africa, had faced significant environmental challenges in recent years, including overfishing and pollution. In 2017, it was declared the most threatened lake in the world by the Global Nature Fund.
The fisheries sector currently contributes 1.7% to Tanzania’s GDP, with a goal to increase this figure to 10% by 2030. The country aims to produce 600,000 tonnes of fish annually in the coming years, up from the current 500,000 tonnes. Local fishermen, like Adam Pesambili from KasangaLusambo village, have reported substantial gains, with increased fish yields resulting in higher incomes.
The decision to suspend fishing activities was aimed at ensuring the sustainable management of Lake Tanganyika’s resources, which is crucial for both local communities and the broader fishing industry.