Kanchibiya District Commissioner Chrispin Chilekwa has called on all stakeholders within the district to support the enforcement of the ongoing annual fish ban.

The three-month annual fish ban took effect on December 1, 2024, and will be lifted on March 1, 2025.

Speaking during a meeting with various heads of departments, Mr Chilekwa emphasized that the ban is intended to allow fish to breed and multiply during the peak breeding season, with the ultimate goal of ensuring food security in the country.

He encouraged residents to explore fish farming, also known as aquaculture, as a sustainable alternative to fishing in natural water bodies during the ban

“The fish ban will help boost fish availability in the country. I urge essential key stakeholders to help the Department of Fisheries and Livestock to ensure the ban is executed,” Mr. Chilekwa said.

Meanwhile, Kanchibiya District Livestock Officer Daniel Ng’uni, reinforced the need for collective effort in upholding the ban and revealed that his department has intensified patrols to ensure compliance.

“Any fishers, traders, and transporters found violating the fishing ban will face the full wrath of the law,” Mr Ng’uni warned.

The District Livestock Officer also stressed that stakeholder involvement is critical to the ban’s success, highlighting the unique challenges posed by Kanchibiya’s extensive water bodies that cover the Chambeshi River, Kanchibiya River, Lulingila River, Munikashi River, Mansha River, Lwitikila River, Bangweulu Swamps, and Chambeshi Flood Plains.