Fishermen in the Zambezi Flood Plains are experiencing severe declines in their catch since the reopening of the fishing season early this month.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources closed off the fishing season late last year in order to give fish stocks time to breed and recover.

And despite the season's closure between November and March, fishermen say annual floods have kept stocks low. 

The lack of fish also affects the Katima Mulilo Open Market, where many stalls are now empty.

Vendors say they are forced to rely on pond fish from neighboring Zambia, which is more expensive.

Another fisherman, Charles Likando, said that those in the southwestern part of the region are more fortunate, catching fish from the Kwando River.

The river is currently the main supplier of fish to the local market.