Tanzania has raised concern over the sharp decline in fish stocks in Lake Tanganyika, with government data showing a 62 per cent drop over nearly three decades.
Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Ng’wasi Damas Kamani told Parliament yesterday that estimated fish stocks had fallen from 304,500 tonnes in 1998 to about 116,000 tonnes in 2026.
The decline, he said, underscores the need for stronger protection of fish breeding grounds, tighter enforcement of fisheries laws and increased investment in aquaculture.
Mr Kamani was responding to a question from Kalambo MP Edifonsi Joakim Kanoni, who wanted to know when the government would conduct research to establish the current fish population in Lake Tanganyika.
He said the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI) conducts surveys to determine the abundance and distribution of pelagic fish species in collaboration with Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia.
According to Mr Kamani, Tanzania conducted the surveys in 1998, 2022 and 2024, while joint surveys involving the four countries were undertaken in 2025 and 2026.
“The results show a declining trend in fish resources, particularly sardines and sprats, a situation that requires stronger protection of breeding grounds and control of fishing activities that do not comply with the law,” he said.
The government is also promoting cage fish farming as part of efforts to increase fish production while reducing pressure on natural fish stocks.
Mr Kamani urged communities and other stakeholders around Lake Tanganyika to participate in protecting fish breeding areas and comply with fisheries regulations.
He said the government was also finalising the establishment of a Fisheries Resources Management Authority, which is expected to strengthen the management and control of fisheries resources.
The move comes as pressure on Lake Tanganyika’s fish stocks continues to raise concerns over the sustainability of fishing activities and the livelihoods of communities that depend on the lake.
For Tanzania, strengthening enforcement, protecting breeding areas and expanding aquaculture could become increasingly important in securing fish supplies and the incomes of fishing communities as natural stocks decline.