City of Masvingo (Fishing) By-laws 2025

Made under section 229 of the Urban Councils Act, these by-laws control fishing in any dam or water source in the City of Masvingo area.

No one may fish without written council permission, applied for separately for each dam. The council may refuse permission where further permits would unduly deplete the fish population, where it is not satisfied the applicant will avoid disturbing the peace or the local flora and fauna, or where the applicant has previously breached the by-laws. Refusals must be explained on request and may be appealed to the council, which may hear representations in writing or orally. Permission may also be revoked, but only after notice and an opportunity to be heard.

The council, after consulting National Parks where the water is controlled under section 84 of the Parks and Wildlife Act, may fix closed periods by notice in a local newspaper, either generally or for particular species. Permit holders must acquaint themselves with those notices before fishing.

Tackle is restricted to a rod or hand-line with no more than three single hooks, or one conventional lure with no more than three single, double or treble hooks, no more than two rods at a time, and no nets exceeding 2 000 metres. Commercial aquaculture requires registration with the council.

A police officer, council employee or authorised agent may require a person found near a dam to give their name and address, produce evidence of permission, and produce any fish and tackle for inspection.

Fees are US$10 to apply and US$10 per quarter for the permit. Every listed offence — fishing without a permit, fishing in a closed season, prohibited tackle, unregistered aquaculture and failing to comply with an authorised officer — carries US$20, payable in local currency at the prevailing interbank rate.