Zaamwani slaps 50% levy on bycatch …as President engages industry on fisheries sustainability

Renthia Kaimbi

Minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, Inge Zaamwani has officially put into effect a Cabinet decision to increase penalty fees on bycatch, raising the levy from 15% to 50%.

In a letter dated 12 June 2026 and addressed to finance minister Ericah Shafudah, Zaamwani formally requested approval for the increase, which is grounded in Section 44 of the Marine Resources Act and follows consultation with the Marine Resource Advisory Council.

The letter outlines that the ministry has observed an alarming increase in bycatch volumes reported by right holders in recent years.

Bycatch, defined under the Act as “any marine resource harvested in an attempt to harvest a different marine resource,” has emerged as a critical challenge threatening marine biodiversity and the sustainability of key species, including hake, pilchard, chub mackerel, and horse mackerel.