Govt Lifts Fishing Ban on Lake Tanganyika

The Government has lifted the annual fishing ban on Lake Tanganyika to allow for the second round of the Catch Assessment Survey (CAS), which is scheduled to take place in July 2026.

Speaking on the development, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Principal Public Relations Officer Benny Munyama explained that the survey serves as a vital fisheries management tool. He noted that it relies on active fishing operations to produce accurate and dependable data covering fish catches, fishing effort, and the overall condition of fish stocks within the lake.

Mr Munyama said the decision to lift the ban also signals the start of a thorough review of the fishing ban programme on Lake Tanganyika. This review follows three years of implementation, giving authorities an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the measure and consider any adjustments that may be required going forward.

The Catch Assessment Survey forms part of broader efforts by the Government to safeguard the sustainability of fisheries resources on the lake, which supports the livelihoods of many communities in the surrounding areas. By temporarily reopening fishing, officials aim to gather the practical, on-the-water evidence needed to inform future management decisions.

The Ministry has indicated that findings from the survey will play an important role in shaping the next phase of fisheries policy on Lake Tanganyika.