18 Jan 2017

Fish hunting season has been closed from January 1  to 28 February and opens from  March 1, to 31 December to allow the fish to breed and multiply.

This was explained in an interview by the Bobonong chief wildlife warden in the Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources.

Mr Mamani whose area of jurisdiction covers Thune,Letsibogo and Dikgatlhong dams stated that to avoid extinction of fish species it was necessary to control fishing by imposing a ban on fishing for a specific period during which they will breed under optimum conditions of temperature and good rainfall for healthy growth of algae that fish feeds on.

He said for the past fishing season they issued seven individuals under the Poverty Eradication Programme with fishing commercial fishing permits at Thune dam, eight for Dikgathlong and six for Letsibogo of which two are for Poverty Eradication Programme beneficiaries.

He further said these individuals are allowed to utilize a maximum of 150 metre net to keep fishing activity at a sustainable level.

Mr Mamani said fishing was not like fetching phane which can be practiced on a small scale for subsistence purposes emphasising that a permit should be sought first even by those doing it from rivers.

Mr Mamani said fishing during closed periods was illegal and perpetrators could be charged a fine of P200.

He said those who trade in fish should apply for a trade licence from relevant authorities.

Mr Dikatso Mamela who ekes out a living by selling fish said he had developed a satisfactory customer base which turned fish into a delicacy that can be eaten as a substitute for red meat for relish.

He however appreciated government measure of imposing a temporary ban on fishing so as to sustain fish in their habitat. ENDS