Lake Tanganyika: A Vital Resource Under Threat
Lake Tanganyika, Africa’s longest and deepest lake, holds a significant place in the region’s ecological and economic landscape. With a shoreline longer than Tanzania’s entire coastline, it supports the livelihoods of millions across four countries—Tanzania (41%), the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (45%), Burundi (8%), and Zambia (6%). The lake is governed by the Convention on the Sustainable Management of Lake Tanganyika, which established the Lake Tanganyika Authority (LTA) to ensure integrated management among the riparian states.
The lake is home to an extraordinary array of biodiversity, including hundreds of endemic fish species. Fishing is the primary source of income for communities along its shores, with key species such as the Lake Tanganyika perch (Lates stappersi) and two sardine species (Limnothrissa miodon and Stolothrissa tanganicae) forming the backbone of local fisheries. These catches are mainly consumed by surrounding communities, but there is also a growing demand for ornamental fish, especially cichlids, for the global aquarium trade.
Challenges to Sustainability
Despite its importance, Lake Tanganyika faces numerous threats. Overfishing, climate change, pollution, and unsustainable land use practices have all contributed to declining fish stocks. The population around the lake, which was approximately 12.5 million in 2012, is expected to grow by at least 2% annually, increasing pressure on the lake’s resources.
Semi-industrial and artisanal fishing have become more prevalent, with fishers using larger vessels and more effective methods. This has led to reduced fish stocks, forcing some to resort to illegal fishing techniques, such as using prohibited monofilament and drift nets. These nets, often imported from China through Tanzania, have been seized in large quantities, highlighting the scale of the problem.
Divers also target endemic species for the aquarium trade, despite limited licensing. While only two ornamental fishing licences were issued in 2025, many more operate illegally, particularly in areas like Nsumbu National Park. The lack of regulation under CITES makes it difficult to track and control this trade once fish leave Zambia.
Regulatory Efforts and Enforcement Challenges
Zambia’s Fisheries Act prohibits unlicensed fishing and certain methods, but it lacks quotas to manage fish stocks effectively. In response to declining stocks, the LTA implemented an annual fishing ban, which Zambia has enforced consistently. However, other riparian countries have not followed suit, leading to uneven enforcement and continued overexploitation.
Enforcement remains a challenge due to limited resources, including patrol boats and staff. Fish are often landed at informal markets, making it difficult for fisheries officers to monitor catch data. Collaboration with police and community-based conservation committees helps, but trust between officials and local communities is often low. Many residents lack understanding of regulations, and reports of violations go unanswered due to resource constraints or corruption.
Government support during the fishing ban has been minimal, leaving many without alternative livelihoods. This has led to opposition against the ban, as well as the misuse of fisheries regulations for political gain. Village conservation development committees, which play a crucial role in managing local resources, are often disrupted during elections.
Collaborative Solutions and Future Steps
Cross-border cooperation is essential for sustainable management of the lake. The LTA has partnered with the European Union and United Nations to implement projects aimed at conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable use. While these efforts are promising, they require stronger national capacities and less reliance on external funding.
Investment in alternative livelihoods, such as aquaculture and expanded trade infrastructure, could reduce pressure on wild fish populations. Developing more fish processing centres would also help preserve catches and add value to local economies. A coordinated approach involving multiple government departments is necessary for holistic reforms.
Improving monitoring and surveillance through affordable technology, such as vessel monitoring systems and drones, could enhance enforcement. Imposing quotas or closed seasons in specific areas, combined with education on sustainable practices, could help regulate fishing effectively. Providing affordable legal gear and preventing the entry of prohibited equipment into Zambia would further support compliance.
If these steps are taken, they could serve as a model for other riparian countries to adopt similar measures. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of Lake Tanganyika will require collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to balanced resource management.
