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Annual shrimp catches in Mozambique's Sofala Bank have fallen by 40%, from approximately 2,500 to 1,500 tonnes, a decline that authorities link to illegal fishing, violations of the closed fishing season and the destruction of mangroves, all of which threaten the sustainability of fisheries resources in the region.
The concerns were raised by Sofala Provincial Secretary of State Manuel Rodrigues during a visit to the fishing company PESCAMAR in the city of Beira on Friday, 9 October.
According to Rodrigues, the decline in catches is partly the result of uncontrolled exploitation of fisheries resources and the degradation of coastal ecosystems, highlighting the need for stronger monitoring and measures to protect marine species.
In response, Rodrigues urged fishing operators to respect the closed fishing season, which runs from 1 October to March, to allow species to reproduce and help fish stocks recover.
The Secretary of State also called for stronger enforcement of fishing regulations and increased market inspections to combat illegal practices and price speculation.
Meanwhile, the decline in shrimp catches comes amid growing operational challenges for companies in the fishing industry.
PESCAMAR, one of the companies operating in the region, has reduced its active fleet from 26 to 12 vessels due to high operating costs, particularly fuel expenses.
Despite these challenges, the company continues to employ approximately 1,000 seasonal workers during periods of peak activity.
The situation highlights the difficulties facing Sofala's fishing industry, where pressure on marine resources and rising operating costs are affecting fishing activities and efforts to preserve marine species.
The Government is therefore calling for stronger enforcement measures and sustainable management of fisheries resources to protect shrimp stocks and ensure the long-term viability of the sector in the region.
The Maputo Juvenile Court is scheduled to hear the case of a 13-year-old boy accused of killing his 12-year-old neighbour, known as Edy, in the Militar neighbourhood of Maputo, on Thursday, 15 October. Under Mozambican law, children under the age of 16 cannot be held criminally responsible, although they may be subject to educational and corrective measures.
Mozambique's National Communications Institute (INCM) has expressed concern over the growing number of companies and individuals providing parcel and correspondence delivery services without the required licences, at a time when only 38 postal operators are legally authorised to operate in the country.
South African jurist and human rights advocate Navi Pillay, 85, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, announced on Friday, 9 October, in Oslo, Norway, in recognition of her contributions to peace, international justice and accountability for serious human rights violations.
Mozambique and Tanzania have agreed to strengthen defence and security cooperation by adopting joint strategies to combat terrorism, organised crime and other cross-border threats that pose risks to the stability of both countries.
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