Thousands of Tilapia fingerlings were released into the Kafue River yesterday as part of the KCM annual fish restocking exercise in commemoration of the World Environmental Week activities.

During a fish restocking exercise in Kanenga area of Chililabombwe, KCM General Manager Corporate Services Howard Chilundika, said KCM would continue to support issues of biodiversity, including fish restocking exercise.

Since 2008 KCM has planted 230,000 fingerlings into the Kafue River and streams near its operations on the Copperbelt to help restore fish stocks in the water bodies, he said.

“The restocking exercise has economic benefits and it is important for us to share benefits from the mines with surrounding communities. We do this every year,” he added.

“The programmes add some great value to the nation in many ways such as boosting the food basket and fostering sustainable livelihoods,” Mr. Chilundika said.

Mr. Chilundika called on the fishermen and communities to avoid illegal fishing activities which deplete fish stocks in rivers.

He said KCM is not only involved in fish restocking but supports tree planting. The company has planted over 87,000 trees within its operations and in the communities.

Research Officer – Aquaculture at National Aquaculture Research and Development Centre (NARDC), Ian Bbole, hailed KCM for its continued support to the fish restocking exercise, saying the programme has ripple effects not only on the community but the nation at large.

He urged the community to guard against illegal fishing activities to allow the restocked fish to multiply and grow.

A community representative, Handson Sichone, who depends on fishing for his livelihood thanked KCM for sharing the benefits from the mines with the local people.

“As people of Kanenga we depend on fishing and agriculture for our livelihood. We appreciate that the mines are also caring for the local people who are not in formal employment,” Mr. Sichone said

He echoed sentiments by all stakeholders that the community should desist from illegal fishing to protect the fingerlings for future generations.