The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock in Northern Province is currently conducting a fish ban on Lake Tanganyika.

Northern Province Fisheries and Livestock Officer, Gethings Chisule says the fish ban is aimed at facilitating the breeding of Kapenta and Buga Fish species on the lake.

In an interview with ZANIS Mr Chisule explained that Buga Fish and Kapenta are the two commercially used species, thus the closure to allow them to breed.

“After studies, we discovered that the peak breeding period for the Buga fish and Kapenta is between May 15 and August 15, and this is just meant for Lake Tanganyika, Nsumbu, Nsama, and the area along Lake Tanganyika,” he said.

Mr Chisule further clarified that while the fish ban on Lake Tanganyika is in effect until August, other fish lakes such as Mweru Wantipa and Chambeshi will observe their fish ban periods from December 1 to end of February, 2027.

He advised individuals involved in the fish business to ensure they acquire a certificate of origin from the fisheries department which shows that the fish they are selling has not been acquired in areas where the fish ban is in effect.