Fisheries Reserves as Protection Mechanisms to Ensure Fish Migration for People and Nature

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will commemorate World Fish Migration Day in Kaingu, located in the southern Province of Zambia. TNC is working with the Department of Fisheries, African Parks, traditional leaders, and local communities to identify and manage community fisheries management areas (CFMAs) and fish reserves in Game Management Areas and community-managed fisheries in and around the largest National Park in Zambia – The Kafue National Park and surrounding Game Management Areas. Fish reserves and community fisheries management areas are vital in ensuring fish productivity and connectivity across multiple habitats, including wetland, riverine and lake environments. To celebrate 2026 World Fish Migration Day, TNC and partners will undertake a field visit on 22nd May 2026, to interact with local communities working to establish community fisheries management areas and fish reserves. Initiatives such as this, particularly fish reserves, provide vital habitat for fish breeding and connectivity, supporting fish pathways. Supporting and co-creating solutions that identify and preserve fish pathways is critical to ensure livelihood and conservation outcomes.