The economic development of the kapenta fishery Lake Kariba (Zimbabwe/Zambia)

Abstract

Kapenta (Limnothrissa miodon) was introduced from Lake Tanganyika into the man-made Lake Kariba, where it now supports a large and viable fishery for Zimbabwe and Zambia who share the lake. The challenge for this paper has been to investigate whether the viability of the kapenta fishery is dependent upon biological factor or economic parameters. The Pella and Tomlinson surplus production model (Pella and Tomlinson, 1967) was used, and parameterised by historical catch and effort data in addition to individual growth parameters. 1994 data was referred to as the current data. In the analysis three reference points were used, Maximum sustainable yield (MSY), Maximum economic yield (MEY) and Open access (OA) equilibriums. Prices and costs were varied to see the sensitivity of the fishery to these two variables, based on the reference points. MSY yield and effort which is the same for both countries was found to be 23 336 tonnes and 725 rigs at the age of first capture of four months. MEY yield and effort is 22 854 tonnes and 475 rigs for Zimbabwe and 22 181 tonnes and 500 rigs for Zambia. Resource rent at MSY is ZW$273 000 and ZK26Million and at MEY it is ZW$316 000 and ZK28Million. Current (1994) effort levels were shown to be close to MSY effort levels. OA effort levels are shown to be three times the current effort; trends in the fishery also show that effort levels are on the decrease, indicating that OA is not a threat to this fishery.