District Livestock and Fisheries Assistant Coordinating Officer, Kelvin Nkhata disclosed this, saying the confiscated equipment includes monofilament and seine nets, locally known as mikwao, many of which were made from Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets (ITNs).

“These materials are illegal and have been removed and destroyed to protect the fishery,” Mr. Nkhata said.

He further confirmed that the enforcement operation had so far not resulted in any arrests, as most fishermen abandoned their equipment and fled when authorities arrived on the riverbanks.

Mr Nkhata said enforcement efforts involved close collaboration with the Zambia Police Service, Immigration, local authorities, and National Parks and Wildlife officials to ensure compliance.

He bemoaned reports of some stakeholders who were allegedly assisting fishermen in circumventing the ban.