Responding to a question in Parliament, from Tonota MP, Mr Gaefele Sedombo recently, Mr Mmolotsi said suspension of permits, introduced in 2020, had been necessary to address poor regulation of fishing activities in three seasonal rivers. 

He explained that authorities had observed widespread non-compliance with licensing requirements, including illegal sale of fish by individuals without commercial fishing licences. 

In some instances, the minister said subsistence fishers were found selling their catch, contrary to regulations. 

The situation, he said prompted the ministry, through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, to review and amend the legislation to strengthen oversight and ensure sustainable management of fish resources. 

He added that the amendment process was completed in 2023, ‘and issuance of fishing license permits will be resumed following administrative processes’. “Fishing permits can now be obtained at the Department of Wildlife and National Parks offices in Masunga, Francistown and Bobonong for the three rivers mentioned,” he said. 

Minister Mmolotsi apologised to communities affected by the suspension for the delay in lifting the restrictions, saying the measure had been temporary and aimed at restoring order and sustainability in the sector. 

He reminded that January and February remained a closed season for fishing in Botswana, during which fish harvesting was prohibited. Clarifying the distinction between subsistence and commercial fishing, the minister said subsistence fishers did not require permits to fish in rivers. 

“They are allowed to catch fish in drying out pools and flood plains using traditional gear such as fishing basket and traps. They are allowed to catch 10 fishes per day,” he added. 

Mr Mmolotsi explained that commercial fisherman used gillnets to catch fish and were required to apply for fishing permit. He also encouraged both subsistence and commercial fishers to explore aquaculture as an alternative source of income. 

Further, he noted that fish farming initiatives fell under the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture and pledged government support to communities willing to venture into the enterprise to diversify and improve their returns. 

Mr Sedombo wanted to know if the minister was aware that issuance of fishing license permits for fishermen who traditionally operated along the Shashe, Tati and Motloutse rivers was suspended around the year 2020, thereby affecting the livelihoods of communities who relied on small scale and subsistence fishing as a source of income and food security. 

Tonota MP had also wanted to know what prompted the suspension of the issuance of the permits, whether the suspension was temporary or permanent and whether there were any plans to issue permits to affected fishermen in the aforementioned areas. 

Additionally, the legislator also asked if there were no immediate plans to resume permits issuance and alternative interventions or support mechanisms the ministry would consider to cushion the affected fishing communities. ENDS