iarjalsIARJALSIARJALS2708-5104https://doi.org/10.47310/iarjals.2022.v03.i01.037Did the Lunar Moratorium (Fishing Ban) have any Positive Impact on Catch Per Unit Effort of Kariba Sardines (Limnothrissa miodon) on the Zambian Side of Lake Kariba?ChansaChombaEmmanuelSilwimbaSchool of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science P. O. Box 80415, Kabwe, Zambia.Ministry of Agriculture, Chirundu, ZambiaA study was carried out to assess the performance of the Kapenta (Limnothrissa miodon) fishing industry on Lake Kariba fishery covering the period 2010-2018. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of the lunar moratorium on catch per unit effort and the research objectives were to; establish the catch per unit during the four (04) years before and four (4) years after the implementation of the lunar moratorium, determine seasonal influence on catch levels, and assess stakeholder perceptions on the effects of lunar moratorium on catch levels. To thoroughly examine these areas of concern, we conducted a detailed literature review of the topic focusing on; physical environment, eco-biology, harvesting system, and livelihoods/socioeconomics. Such an approach helped us to eliminate factors that may, based on the understanding of fishers and the fishing communities on the shores of the lake, be considered to be responsible for the subsisting decline in catches. Data were collected from Kapenta rig owners operating on the Zambian side of Lake Kariba fishery, Department of Fisheries and the Local District Council. All rig owners are required by law to submit monthly statistics with details on landings (catches) and number of nights fished for each rig. The data collected was verified from the returns kept at the DOF local office and from local council office. Data with details on fishing nights per month, Kapenta wet weight in kilogrammes, number of hauls per fishing night, fishing month and year, fishing zone and rig identity number were collected covering a period from 2010 to 2018. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Mann-Whitney U test in SPSS version 23 was used on data that did not meet the requirements for a parametric test. One-Way ANOVA and independent samples t-test were used on data that fulfilled the fundamental assumptions of a parametric test such as normality and homogeneity. Other tests used were Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Levene’s test. Results obtained showed that the effect of lunar moratorium was not significant. It was concluded that effective management of the lake Kariba fishery required multiple strategies covering the ecology and socioeconomics. To improve Kapenta catches in Lake Kariba, the fishing ban should be supported by other management strategies as outlined in the fisheries Act and recommendations from various scholars. More research is required relating to the impact of climate change on the eco-biology of Kapenta.