Tanzania cracks down on illegal fishing in Lake Tanganyika with renewed resolve

TANZANIA – The Tanzanian government is intensifying efforts to combat illegal fishing in Lake Tanganyika, one of Africa’s most vital water bodies, as it battles rising concerns over destructive gear and foreign encroachment. 

The campaign, aimed at safeguarding fish stocks and local livelihoods, focuses on curbing the influx of illicit gill-nets and enforcing fishing regulations more strictly than ever before.

Deputy Minister for Agriculture David Silinde told Parliament on Wednesday that new enforcement efforts are underway, including tighter controls at border points to intercept banned fishing gear. 

“The government prohibits the use of illegal fishing nets. Illegal nets are not allowed to cross our borders. The government insists that nets should be manufactured within the country,” he said on behalf of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.

Lake Tanganyika, Africa’s deepest freshwater lake, has long faced challenges from illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. 

This includes the use of unauthorised gear, fishing without proper licenses, and catching fish beyond legal quotas. Among the most damaging practices is the use of illegal gill-nets, which ensnare non-target species and disturb the ecological balance.

According to Principal Fisheries Officer Agnely Lishala, gill-nets are deemed illegal if they exceed 144 mesh panels, are less than three inches in height, or use fewer than four or more than six plies. 

“Despite ongoing efforts, these illegal nets continue to be smuggled into the country in large quantities, often with specifications that flagrantly exceed legal limits,” Lishala told the Daily News, a local newspaper.

Technology and local cooperation at the forefront

To tackle these issues, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is employing a multi-pronged strategy. Authorities are reinforcing Fisheries Resource Protection and Management centres around Lake Tanganyika with essential tools and equipment. 

Aerial surveillance using drones has been introduced to track and deter illegal fishing operations on the vast lake.

At the community level, awareness campaigns are being run in partnership with NGOs to educate fishers on the long-term impact of illegal practices. Silinde emphasised the importance of working with local authorities to curb the problem. 

“I would like to urge Local Councils to continue collaborating with the Ministry in controlling illegal fishing activities,” he said. 

“Also, I call upon all fishers in the country, including those in Lake Tanganyika, to conduct their activities by adhering to fishing guidelines, procedures, laws and regulations.” 

A broader vision for the blue economy agenda

Tanzania’s fight against illegal fishing is part of a broader strategy under its 2024 Blue Economy Policy, which aims to revitalise the country’s aquatic sectors. 

Speaking at the African Blue Economy Forum in 2024, Finance Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba outlined a roadmap to double fish production by 2030 and create more than one million jobs.

Through collaboration with global partners such as the World Bank and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Tanzania is investing in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, and ocean-based renewable energy. 

One flagship project, the World Bank-backed PROBLUE initiative, supports the sustainable management of coastal resources.

Dr. Nchemba also acknowledged the challenge of foreign overfishing, particularly from Chinese and European trawlers. 

In response, Tanzania has stepped up regional cooperation with Kenya, Mozambique, and Seychelles to conduct joint maritime patrols. 

New penalties for IUU fishing now include fines up to US$500,000 and prison terms of up to five years for foreign vessels caught violating national laws.

In a bid to enhance transparency, the government has digitised the fishing license application process and pledged to publish the list of all licensed vessels. 

Additionally, near-shore waters, stretching five nautical miles from the coast, have been reserved exclusively for small-scale Tanzanian fishers, shutting out trawlers and foreign boats from these zones.

Despite the scale of the challenge, authorities remain hopeful that stronger enforcement, community engagement, and international collaboration will turn the tide.

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