The quantity of industrial and semi-industrial fishing within Mozambique expanded by 10.5% during the initial quarter in comparison to 2022, reaching a total of 3 219 tonnes, Lusa news agency reports.
However, it constitutes a mere 13.7% of the complete projection for the sector in 2023.
This lacklustre performance was significantly impacted by the limited operational effectiveness of fishing fleets in January, marked by interruptions in the procurement of shrimp, fish and lobster.
Commencement of the current fishing campaign occurred on March 15, in contrast to preceding years when it took place on April 1.
The shift led to the capture of 410 tonnes of shrimp within the reviewed timeframe.
Over the first trimester of the year, the artisanal fishing domain generated a total of 81 648 tonnes of varied fish.
Notably, this consisted of 43 636 tonnes of marine fish and 30 679 tonnes of freshwater fish, signifying a decline of 4.2% in comparison to 2022.
This output represents 18.4% of the comprehensive projection for 2023.
Aquaculture carried out on both an industrial and minor scale, witnessed a surge of 19.4%, amassing 1 279 tonnes over the three-month span.
Collectively, the fishing enterprise amounted to 86 146 tonnes during Mozambique's initial quarter, which marked a decrease of 3.4% in relation to the equivalent interval in 2022.
This tally corresponds to a mere 18.2% of the overall estimation delineated by the government for the current year, a figure set at 474 576 tonnes.