The fisheries sector represents about 3% of Mozambique’s GDP. Over two thirds of the population of Mozambique live within 150 km of the coast, and thus the fisheries sector is an important source of both animal protein and employment: some 80,000 are employed in the sector, of which 90% are artisanal fishers, or those associated with the artisanal fisheries handling and distribution activities.
The fisheries sector is characterised by its diversity: the industrial fleet is comprised of more than 100 vessels and is dominated by State joint venture companies. Production from the sub-sector is almost entirely for the export market and comprises shallow and deep water shrimp, lobster and some tuna, almost all of which are deep frozen on board. The semi-industrial fishery comprises about 90 vessels under 20m in length, whose ownership has more national participation. Vessels are mostly ice carriers, making short trips fishing for shrimp and higher value demersal fish. Target markets include niche national markets and regional export markets, principally South Africa. The artisanal fishery is widespread along the length of the coastline, often operating from open beaches and informal landing stations. Production from the artisanal sub-sector is estimated at 80,000 tonnes per year, with a value of over USD 50 million, almost all of which is destined for national markets. The artisanal fleet numbers some 11,000 vessels of which 70% are canoes and only 3% are motorised. Artisanal fishers are confined to the near coastal zone, and use a great diversity of fishing gear including beach seines, gillnets, handlines, traps and spears.
Historically, the State has played a major role in the sector, and still retains the majority shareholding in almost all of the important shrimp producers. In recent years, there has been increased and strong emphasis on the market-based development of the sector, and many of the sector’s state-owned companies servicing the fisheries sector have been privatised.