Twenty eight people have been fined for violating the ongoing annual fish ban in Central Province.

Principal Fisheries Officer, Samuel Mwenya, says a total of 44 people were arrested across the province, for violating the fish ban, during patrols and that four have been acquitted while the rest are still appearing before the courts of law.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Kabwe, Mr. Mwenya said that during the same period, over three metric tonnes of fish were confiscated and disposed of by the court order.

He said the contraband included 3, 112.40 and 252.50 kilograms of dry and fresh fish respectively.

“We are hoping to increase the surveillance and enforcement patrols in the next few weeks,” Mr. Mwenya said.

He explained that the fresh consignment included 65 kilograms of Crayfish, an invasive species believed to have been harvested from Itezhi-Tezhi but confiscated in Mumbwa.

The Principal Fisheries Officer said 135 patrols were mounted, adding that 82 fishing nets, 12 canoes, 15 mosquito nets and 14 paddles were confiscated and destroyed.

“Most of the fish was confiscated in Serenje District and are suspected to be coming from fishing camps along the Luapula River and the South Bangweulu Swamps,” he observed.

He disclosed that ten mosquito nets were confiscated from the upper Kafue River in Mumbwa while Lukanga wetlands accounted for five.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mwenya said inadequate manpower and transport were frustrating the effective execution of the annual ban.

“Manpower is not enough to meet the demand. Both water and land transport also remain a challenge to effectively carryout the operations. We are trying to enhance our capacity through collaborations with other stakeholders like chiefs, private sector players and other government departments,” he said.

He, however, expressed gratitude for the support from the Provincial Administration and the departments of National Parks and Wildlife, Health, Zambia Police and a Non-Profit organization, the Conservation Initiative Services.