Regional effort to revitalize Lake Tanganyika fisheries
FISH4ACP, PROFISHBLUE workshop helps nations prepare for lake-wide stock assessment
Lusaka, 5 May 2025 – In Zambia, a regional workshop is taking place to help coordinate the first comprehensive fisheries stock assessment of Lake Tanganyika in over two decades. Organized by FAO in collaboration with Zambia's Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the Lake Tanganyika Authority Secretariat (LTAS) and the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), the workshop aims to harmonize data collection to support sustainable management of the lake’s resources.
The workshop, organized by FISH4ACP and PROFISHBLUE, represents a significant step towards the lake-wide assessment, providing critical data in support of restoring Lake Tanganyika’s declining fish stocks. It aims to strengthen coordination among the four riparian states sharing the waters of Lake Tanganyika (Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Zambia) through coordinated data collection and evidence-based approaches to fisheries management.
Lake Tanganyika, the second largest lake in Africa, is a vital source of livelihoods for more than 12 million people who depend on its fisheries for income. Yet, overexploitation, unsustainable fishing practices, and climate change have contributed to a steady decline in fish production over the past three decades.
The hydro-acoustic and catch assessment surveys will serve as a foundation for regional cooperation and guide policy decisions across all four riparian countries towards more sustainable management of Lake Tanganyika’s rich, yet imperilled fish resources.
Himba Cheelo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, emphasized Zambia’s strong commitment to sustainable fisheries governance. “Lake Tanganyika is not just a body of water; it is an economic and cultural lifeline for millions,” she said. “Zambia is committed to working with regional partners to ensure the sustainable management of this shared resource. This collaborative fisheries assessment represents a pivotal moment for our region.”
Suze Percy-Filippini, FAO Representative in Zambia, noted the historical and scientific significance of the initiative. She said it lays the technical foundation for harmonized decision-making that safeguards biodiversity, strengthens governance, and secures livelihoods. “FAO remains committed to supporting its partners in building resilient, climate-adapted fisheries systems.”
Participants from the riparian countries reiterated the importance of shared knowledge and regional commitment:
From Zambia, Kelvin Mukuka, Senior Fisheries Research Officer in the Department of Fisheries, stated: “The strength of this workshop lies in its inclusivity. By bringing together scientists, government agencies, and regional bodies, we are not only collecting data—we are building trust and a unified vision for the future of Lake Tanganyika.”
From the United Republic of Tanzania, Prisca Mziray, TAFIRI Kigoma Centre Director, commented: “This assessment will help us understand the true status of fish stocks across national boundaries. For Tanzania, it is an opportunity to scale up the use of science and innovation in fisheries policy and practice.”
From the Democratic Republic of Congo, Daddy Tshiyombo, Chief of Division – Fish Production, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, added: “The shared nature of Lake Tanganyika demands a shared solution. This initiative strengthens our resolve to adopt harmonized management measures that protect both fish stocks and the communities that rely on them.”
FISH4ACP is an initiative of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) implemented by FAO with funding from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) that aims to strengthen Lake Tanganyika fisheries in the United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia.
PROFISHBLUE, coordinated by the Southern African Development Committee (SADC) Secretariat, aims to promote sustainable fisheries management, improve food security and build adaptive capacity against climate change within the SADC region’s blue economy. The project is implemented by FAO with funding from the African Development Bank.
