This report considers how fisheries management in the Zambezi/Chobe river systems can be devolved to the lowest appropriate levels; how fisheries management can be aligned with Community-based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) approaches in other sectors and the advantages of introducing a community-based approach to fisheries management. The report assesses the compatibility of Namibian and Zambian fisheries legislation in relation to the promotion of the community-based fisheries management (CBFM). It analyses how CBFM can be achieved in the Zambezi/Chobe river systems through the existing provisions of the Inland Fisheries Resources Act of 2003 and suggests how these provisions could be strengthened through the development of new regulations that would be relevant to the Caprivi and other areas where similar conditions apply. A second report commissioned alongside this one makes recommendations for implementing a local CBFM initiative that is integrated with existing CBNRM initiatives in the Caprivi region2. The full Terms of Reference (TOR) for both reports are provided in Annex 5. There is unsustainable use of the inland fisheries resources in the Zambezi/Chobe river system with widespread use of illegal fishing gear and methods. The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has limited enforcement capacity and there is considerable hostility towards local fisheries inspectors tasked with enforcing the law. The system of issuing fishing licences through one official in the Regional Council is impractical for both local fishermen and for sport anglers. It creates considerable anger and hostility as fishermen and anglers have to travel large distances to apply for licences often only to find the licence office closed or the licensing officer unavailable. Many local fishermen say they are unable to afford to travel to the Regional Council offices to obtain licences.