Over Seven tons of Sambaza caught in Kivu Lake after a two-month fishing break

By The Inspirer.

Sambaza fishermen in Lake Kivu are rejoicing after finding an increase in fish stock following a two-month fishing break. The fishing break, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, was introduced 20 years ago at the request of the fishermen, who observed that from June to September, sambaza yields significantly decrease.

This year, the fishing break began on August 18 and ended on October 19, 2024. On the night of October 19 into October 20, sambaza fishermen returned to Lake Kivu after the two-month hiatus.

Fishermen from Nyamasheke District caught 2,300 kilograms, Rubavu recorded 646 kilograms, Rutsiro harvested 2,747 kilograms, and Karongi netted 1,406 kilograms. This means that over seven tons of sambaza were caught in the four districts combined.

The leader of the sambaza fishermen’s association in Karongi District, Emmanuel Ndagijimana, told IGIHE that the six cooperatives operating on the Karongi side of Lake Kivu were pleased with the increased catch.

He said, “We are happy because before the break, the fish stock had significantly decreased. Some fishing teams would only catch three kilograms, while others went home empty-handed.”

After the reopening of Lake Kivu, the team that caught the most in Karongi netted 70 kilograms, while the least productive team caught 20 kilograms.

In Karongi District, the wholesale price of sambaza has dropped from 4,500 Rwandan Francs (Frw) per kilogram in August to 2,800 Frw due to the previously low fish stock. This means that a team that caught 70 kilograms earned 196,000 Frw, while the team that caught 20 kilograms made 56,000 Frw.

Ndayisaba Salim, a fisherman from the Mushonyi sector in Rutsiro District, who caught 383 kilograms, told IGIHE that the reopening of the lake was welcome news.

He said, “The two-month fishing break is essential because sambaza reproduce in August and September. It’s necessary for us fishermen to leave the lake during that time so that the fish can reproduce without disturbance, which helps ensure the sambaza don’t become extinct in Lake Kivu.”

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