The Government announced on Tuesday (14), during a Council of Ministers session, new closed seasons and fishing bans for surface shrimp, mangrove crab, and octopus to preserve species and promote sustainable management of the country’s marine resources, according to Domingo newspaper.
Government spokesperson Inocêncio Impissa explained that the measures are designed to allow the natural reproduction of the most commercially exploited marine species, reinforcing Mozambique’s commitment to coastal ecosystem conservation and the sustainability of artisanal, semi-industrial, and industrial fishing.
For surface shrimp, the ban varies by zone:
- Sofala Norte banks: 1 October – 31 December 2025 for protecting breeders.
- Industrial and semi-industrial fishing: 1 January – 1 March 2026.
- Artisanal fishing: 12 December 2025 – 31 March 2026.
- Sofala Sul and Govuro banks: 15 December 2025 – 30 April 2026.
- Maputo Bay and Limpopo River mouth: 1 December 2025 – 31 March 2026.
For mangrove crab and octopus, the ban applies from 1 November 2025 to 31 January 2026, covering the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Inhambane, key regions for these fisheries. During these periods, the acquisition, transport, processing, and sale of the species are prohibited, except for stocks declared before the start of the bans. Establishments violating the rules face administrative and criminal sanctions, including exclusion from 2026 licensing processes.
These actions align with Mozambique’s marine conservation commitments and reflect a clear focus on sustainable fisheries, vital for food security, household income, and the blue economy.
Source: Diário Económico
