“Some stakeholders have agreed to suspend operations following a decline in harvests .There has been an outcry from local fishermen. The suspension would protect the industry from collapse,” said the Authority’s spokesperson Caroline Washaya-Moyo. The matter is being discussed with their Zambian counterparts.
Fishermen and fishmongers who spoke to The Zimbabwean said although the move was a noble idea, it was likely to trigger fish shortages which could lead to price increases. “I think the authorities should continuously monitor fishing activities to avoid over harvesting.
This suspension is also going to affect some commercial fishing companies who are likely to send their workers home on forced leave during the duration of the suspension,” said Gerald Harris, who operates a fishing camp in Binga.