1. MANAGEMENT OF THE UPPER ZAMBEZI RIVER FISHERY
( BAROTSE FLOODPLAIN)

2. INTRODUCTION
Fish are an essential natural resource for ensuring food
security, reducing poverty, promoting proper nutrition and
as a source of livelihoods and income.
They are a major aquatic resource in terms of their
contribution to the biological diversity of the river system.
The entire Upper Zambezi River Fishery accounts for
13% of the total fish species in the country.

3. DEMOGRAPHICS
Area and population of the Barotse Floodplain
Area (ha)
550 000
Population
225 000
Households
28 000
Fishers
4380

4. FISH PRODUCTION ESTIMATES
 Fish Production estimates based on traded/marketed fish
for the period 2002 to 2012 ranged between 6000 and
8000MT. However, the estimates may not include the fish
consumed locally in the floodplain communities.
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Weight(MT)
Time frame (Yearly)
Western Province Estimate Fish Production
Fish Production Mt

5. MANAGEMENT SETUP
 The Barotse floodplain fishery is co-managed by the Barotse Royal
Establishment ( BRE) being the Traditional Authority and the
Department of Fisheries ( DoF).
 The BRE controls access to the fisheries resource and DoF enforces
the Fisheries Regulations and Act.
 Stakeholders : include but limited to DoF, BRE, Fishing Communities,
Fish traders, Fish Trader Coops, NGOs, CBOs and Fish Conservation
Association

6. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DOF IN FISHERIES
MANAGEMENT_ FISHERIES ACT
DoF Mandate:
To oversee the implementation of
fisheries progammes in capture fisheries
and aquaculture development, and
enforcement and regulation of the
Fisheries Act of 2011 in order to achieve
sustainable fisheries industry and
benefits.

7. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT_
FISHERIES ACT 2011
 Management of the aquatic environment as an asset for present and
future generations
 Application of the precautionary approach to utilization, management ,
development and conservation of the fisheries resource based on the
best scientific evidence available.
 Protection of the ecosystem as a whole including non target species
and protection of aquatic biodiversity
 Broad, accountable and participatory decision making process.

8. Fisheries Development Measures
 Providing extension and training services
 Conducting research and surveys
 Promoting co-operation among fishermen
 Providing infrastructure facilities; and
 Stocking waters with fish and supplying fish for
stocking.

9. CURRENT STATUS
 Rampant and indiscriminate use of illegal fishing
gears (Sefa Sefa)
 Depleting fisheries resources
 Increased incidences of fish poisoning in the
lagoons and small lakes ( Maasa)
 Increased Conflicts between fishers using illegal
fishing gear (sefa sefa) and those using
recommended ones in fishing communities
 Some Area Indunas are spearheading the fight
against usage of illegal gears.

10. Fisheries Management Activities
 Extension visits to fishers and traders
 Surveillance and Enforcement of the Fisheries
Regulations through patrols
 Forming and strengthening of Co-management
structures
 Training and sensitization of fishers on fisheries
regulations
 Restocking of Small Water Bodies
 Promoting of fish farming
 Collecting fish market statistics
 Collaborating with BRE, NGOs

11. Luitumezi
Thank You