The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has issued a fishing ban, with effect from 1st December 2025.
The move is aimed at protecting fish breeding grounds in the country’s water bodies.
In an interview with Zambian Business Times, Fisheries Technical Officer Joshua Mwiinga, highlighted that it has revealed that the ban is necessary to allow fish to breed and grow, ensuring sustainable fishing practices.
“The rain season allows water to flow into streams and plains, and the fish go there to breed. It’s a season we protect the breeding grounds,” Mwiinga explained.
The government is enforcing the ban through sensitization programs and penalties for non-compliance.
Breaking of fishing ban is a serious punishable offence of up to 200,000 penalty units, imprisonment of up to 2 years,or both..
Mwiinga emphasized the importance of balancing production goals with environmental and conservation concerns.
“We encourage fish farmers to grow their own fish, reducing pressure on wild stocks and promoting sustainable aquaculture practices.”
The fishing ban is a measure to ensure the long-term sustainability of Zambia’s fisheries sector.