Ikaba fishing area declared fisheries reserve

Allexer Namundjembo

The government has declared the Ikaba fishing area in the Kabulabula conservancy a fisheries reserve, strengthening efforts to protect and sustainably manage inland fish resources in Namibia’s Zambezi Region.

The declaration was made by minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Inge Zaamwani through Government Notice No. 239, published in Government Gazette No. 8980, in terms of Section 22(1) of the Inland Fisheries Resources Act of 2003.

The decision follows an initiative by the Zambezi Regional Council and the Bukalo Traditional Authority, which engaged the government on the need to formally protect the area.

The Ikaba Fisheries Reserve is located within the Kabulabula conservancy and is bordered by the Kasika conservancy to the east, Ikaba emerging conservancy to the north, Nakabolelwa conservancy to the west, and the Chobe River to the south.

The area consists of a permanently connected water body linked to the Chobe River, featuring deep waters, reed-lined margins and water lilies. It provides important habitat for aquatic and wildlife species, including crocodiles, hippos and various water birds.