Western Province: 15 Tons of Sambaza Caught in One Night as Lake Kivu Reopens After Two-Month Fishing Ban

Fishermen operating on Lake Kivu are celebrating a record haul after catching more than 15 tons of sambaza (small sardine fish) on the first night following the end of a two-month fishing ban. The surge in catches has sparked optimism among local cooperatives and district officials across Rwanda’s Western Province.

The temporary closure, known as the “fishermen’s holiday,” was instituted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) at the request of local fishing cooperatives. The measure, which ran from August 9 to October 9, 2025, was aimed at allowing fish stocks to regenerate after months of sharp decline in yields observed between June and July.

4.5 tons in Nyamasheke,

5 tons in Rutsiro,

1.7 tons in Karongi,

2 tons in Rubavu, and

2.3 tons in Rusizi.

Overall sambaza production nearly doubled compared to the same reopening period last year, rising from 7 tons to 15 tons.

Fishermen credit tighter controls and anti-poaching efforts

The head of the Karongi District Fishermen’s Association, Ndagijimana Emmanuel, attributed the increase to coordinated efforts between fishermen, local authorities, and security agencies to combat illegal fishing during the closure.

“We have arrested several poachers who continued fishing when the lake was closed,” he said. “Previously, a kilo of sambaza sold for between 6,000 and 7,000 francs, but now with increased supply, prices are stabilizing.”

He added that production per boat had also risen dramatically:

“Before the closure, a group of three boats using 35,000 francs worth of fuel could barely catch three to five kilos. Now, a successful fisherman can catch up to 80 kilos, while others bring in at least 15 kilos. The current market price is around 3,350 francs per kilo.”

A long journey for sambaza in Rwanda

Sibomana Jean Bosco, head of the Karongi branch of the national fisheries project, hailed the progress in Rwanda’s fishing industry, recalling that sambaza were first introduced into Lake Kivu in 1959 from Lake Tanganyika, with commercial fishing beginning in 1978.

“At that time, many Rwandans didn’t eat sambaza - people believed it was harmful to cows and milk,” he explained. “Fishermen used to throw sambaza back into the lake because there were no buyers. Today, the situation is completely different: the market demand is strong, and people understand the nutritional value of fish products.”

While celebrating the bumper catch, Kwitonda Théoneste, chairperson of the Karongi District Commission for Monitoring Fish Quality and Pricing, warned that illegal fishing remains a challenge.

“Although we’ve made good progress against poaching, some illegal fishers still sneaked onto the lake during the closure period,” he said.

Officials say continued collaboration between cooperatives, local government, and law enforcement will be key to maintaining sustainable fishing practices and protecting the lake’s ecosystem.