The Ministry of Fisheries is set to designate specific zones for wet-landed horse mackerel trawling following a temporary relaxation of depth restrictions.
The Ministry of Fisheries is moving forward with plans to map out exclusive fishing zones for the horse mackerel subsector following recent shifts in national trawling regulations.
While the Cabinet has officially sanctioned a temporary easing of depth restrictions, the specific geographic areas allocated for this activity remain under development.. Officials at Misryoum confirm that the ministry is currently prioritizing consultations with industry stakeholders to finalize these boundaries.
This shift in policy is significant because it balances the immediate economic pressures of the fishing industry with the long-term necessity of protecting marine ecosystems through controlled, temporary access.
Under the newly approved framework, wet-landed horse mackerel vessels will be permitted to trawl within the 200-metre isobath, provided they do not exceed a depth of 150 metres. This policy is set for a trial period running from 1 May 2026 until 30 April 2027.
Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda clarified that this operational adjustment is geographically constrained. The relaxation applies exclusively to the zone between latitudes 22°S and 24°S, ensuring that activity is concentrated within a specific corridor.
Meanwhile, waters lying south of latitude 22°S that extend beyond the 200-metre isobath will continue to operate under existing regulations, remaining open to all authorized vessels. This distinction is intended to maintain order while testing the impact of the new depth allowances.
The ministry emphasizes that this temporary measure is not an invitation for unrestricted access. Rather, it represents a calculated attempt to monitor how the horse mackerel subsector responds to modified spatial limits over the coming year.
Moving forward, the ministry intends to maintain a focus on transparent engagement. By involving industry participants in the zoning process, Misryoum observers note that the authorities hope to mitigate potential conflicts among different classes of fishing operators.
Ultimately, the success of this initiative rests on the data collected during the 12-month window. The findings from this period will likely influence future decisions regarding sustainable resource management for the nation’s marine sector.
By carefully defining these operational zones, the government is attempting to ensure that industrial expansion does not come at the cost of the very resources that sustain the coastal economy.