28. The Chairman of Sub-Area Fisher’s Association SAFA “B” introduced the views of the members of his association in Nyami-Nyami Rural District; and also provided some information on Binga Rural District.
29. The meeting was informed that the main fish species that are caught are the Nile Bream (Oreochromis niloticus) and Tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus). The other species that is caught in less quantity is the Chessa (Distichodus schenga). Kariba Bream (Oreochromis mortimeri). There are some species that are no longer easily caught. These are Kariba Bream (Oreochromis mortimeri), Red-Breast bream (Tilapia rendalli), and the catfish (Clarias gariepinus). In the past, the fishers used to catch the Purple Labeo (Labeo congoro), and Nkupe (Distichodus mossambicus). Fishers in Nyami-Nyami District no longer catch these fish.
30. It was noted that crocodiles sometimes destroy the nets. During full-moon (6-7 days) every month, the catches are low. The peak fishing season is from October to April for Tigerfish, and May to September for breams. Top-set nets are during the hot season, and bottom-set nets are set during the cold season.
31. The Technical Consultation was informed of the following problems facing the artisanal fisheries sector:
high cost of equipment (nets, boats, twine);
bad roads to fishing villages means that buyers are not willing to come to the fishing villages in their cars;
some officers in the local authority and in the Parks Authority who were working with the fishers have left their jobs;
lack of finance (including loans, and revolving funds);
unlicensed fishers in fishing camps create problems for the licensed fishers;
lack of water transport; and
kapenta rigs fishing in gillnet areas damaging the gillnets.
