16 Aug 2017

Maun Administrative Authority Raffle Committee for commercial fishing in the Okavango Delta has resolved to embark on a survey to establish why there is a low turn up by fishers in acquiring licenses for commercial fishing in the delta. 

The resolution followed efforts made by the Fisheries Unit under the Department of Wildlife and National Parks to remind winners of the raffle to come and collect their licences, but it was reported that the grace period had already elapsed while over 100 fishers failed to show up. 

About 356 people were expected to collect their licences, but it has been indicated that only 206 came forth.  

As per the raffle guidelines, those who have not yet obtained their licenses without convincing reasons would be automatically disqualified and the next in the reserve list given the opportunity. 

The committee learnt that 19 people from the reserve list had also collected the licences and that they had been given two months grace period from July 19 to August 19. 

However, the committee resolved to formulate a questionnaire which would be sent to those who did not show up with a hope that the information collected would assist the committee in future planning. 

Meanwhile, some members of the committee shared that they met with the fishers and they complained about lack of fish in some zones such as 7 and 5, hence the low turn up of licence collection. 

Some claimed that the dried fish export ban was the major problem as most fishers targeted export market for dry fish, while some suspected the new raffle system. 

Some members dismissed the claims that dry fish export ban was a challenge, noting that most dry fish was from zone 4 (Lake Ngami) and the rest of delta contributed less in fish export. 

They stressed that a survey be undertaken as it would indicate appropriate reasons. 

Meanwhile, in an effort to control and regulate commercial fishing in the Okavango Delta, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks through the Fisheries Unit introduced a new system where a raffle was conducted and the winners be issued with licences. 

Due to high demand of applications for commercial fishing, the department had to make an administrative decision to control number of licences, population of fishers and also fish population. 

The department also took a decision to demarcate the delta into seven fishing zones and each zone was allocated with quotas. 

Different stakeholders were consulted about the new arrangement and appreciated it as they were also concerned about the uncontrolled issuing of licences and environmental challenges brought upon by fishers. 

Stakeholders agreed that the delta was a sensitive area and issues of environment and conservation needed to be taken into consideration to ensure the value and beauty of the delta was maintained.ENDS