Fish deficit down to 25,000 metric tonnes, says Minister

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU ZAMBIA’S fish deficit has reduced by 25, 000 metric tonnes following measures Government is implementing such as executing aquaculture projects in collaboration with stakeholders, says Livestock and Fisheries minister Michael Katambo.

And the minister said Zambian water bodies have not been affected by the Tilapia lake virus which has ravaged most East Asian countries.

Mr. Katambo said Zambia’s fish deficit had reduced to 60, 000 metric tonnes from the initial 85, 000 metric tonnes owing to the execution of aquaculture projects in collaboration with stakeholders.

“As a country, we have a deficit of fish but with fish farmers and projects that are being implemented with the loans from African Development Bank (AfDB) and other measures from Government, the graph is rising, we are managing. We have about 85, 000 metric tonnes, now we are talking about 50, 000 to 60, 000 metric tonnes deficit which means the graph is rising,” he said.

Mr. Katambo said in an interview that Zambia would become a net exporter of fish once Government implemented all the projects. He said the target for the was to meet the fish deficit within the next three years.

“We have a deficit and we are importing fish that is why we are putting in place measures to curb bad fishing. We are going around the country to sensitise the communities on good fish practices and other stakeholders. We have the potential and resources in all provinces, we are even encouraging backyard fishing,” Mr. Katambo said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Katambo said the ministry was on high alert following the outbreak of the Tilapia lake virus which had ravaged most East Asian countries.

Mr. Katambo assured the nation that Zambia was safe and that no signs of the disease had been detected. “The ministry is just on alert, as Zambia we are not affected by the disease or rather there is no outbreak,” he said.

The minister was responding to concerns from the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) who called on Government to put in place stringent measures that would regulate the importation of fish following the outbreak of the disease.