22 Jul 2020

Some fishers have welcomed the introduction of raffle system aimed at regulating commercial fishing in the Okavango Delta and other water bodies.

They aired their views after a recent raffle conducted by fish hunting committee through department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) at Batawana main kgotla.

The fishermen said the system promoted fairness and transparency and urged the committee to continue with the raffle system saying it  would also help to address issues of illegal fishing and control  the number of fishermen.

One of the winners of the raffle, Ms Tshenolo Lasaro  pointed out that her life would change for the better as she would be able to take care of her family through fishing.

She also praised the department for the raffle system saying it would address challenges encountered at the fishing zones such as littering.

An official from DWNP, Mr Mr Charles Mpofu said through the fishing raffle, the winners would be able to obtain fishing licenses for commercial fishing in zones that they had applied for.

He explained that fishing was one of the economic activity that most residents survived with  and believed that lifting the commercial fishing would improve their livelihoods as they would be able sell.

Mr Mpofu further stated that fishing would reduce the rate of unemployment among the communities adding that this season, they received high number of applications as compared to the last season which meant members of the community showed interest in fishing.

He said they had to increase the number of quotas per zone.                              

Earlier on, Kgosi Oleyo Ledimo said Ngamiland region was well known as a tourism destination, adding that fish hunting was also part of their culture.

He commended the department for coming up with a system which aimed to ensure transparency and control congestion in fishing areas.

He noted that fishing was a source of income for the Ngamiland community but emphasised the need to do the activity in an organised and controlled manner.

Meanwhile, the district which has been demarcated into seven fishing zones and each zone was allocated with quotas.

The zones were developed by grouping villages together looking at accessible fishing grounds and applicants are entitled to fish in one zone. ENDS