CLOSED SEASON - Madzedze stratum use own resources to close Lake for fishing in Mangochi
The stratum committee agreed to conduct this year's closed event using their own locally generated resources to demonstrate ownership and self-reliance in management of fisheries resources
MANGOCHI, Malawi (Planet Defence) - Madzedze stratum that stretches from Mvunguti to Sun and Sand along Lake Malawi constituting thirty-one beaches under Namkumba sub-fisheries association has today commenced fish closed season at an event held at Guma beach in the area of Sub -Traditional Authority Chiwalo in Mangochi district writes Planet Defence’s Elijah Katantha in the Lake Shore district.
Speaking during the closing season event, Titus Mpata organising committee chairperson told the gathering that in order to demonstrate ownership and self-reliance in managing the fisheries resources, the stratum committee agreed to conduct this years event using their own locally generated resources.
"Based on the various trainings we have been receiving on self-financing. We decided to use our locally generated resources for this event which we are conducting today," said Mpata in his inaugural remarks.
He therefore thanked all Beach Village committees (BVC’s), Group Village Headmen, Area Development Committee chairpersons for the support rendered in organising and attending such an important function in the area.
In his remarks, Sub-Traditional Authority Chiwalo who was the guest of honour, called upon all fishers to comply with the closed season regulation saying anyone found violating the law will be arrested and charged accordingly as per the fisheries rules and regulations.
"The fisheries resources are not for the government officers or project staff but for the community. I therefore urge everyone to take a leading role in conserving fisheries resources in our popular fresh water Lake Malawi," Chiwalo warned his subjects.
Speaking on behalf of Mangochi District Fisheries Officer, Patuma Ngondoma, Fisheries Assistant thanked all participants during the closed season launch.
She advised all present that all drug nets are not accepted to be used during the closed season adding its only handline and longline fishery as well as chilimira fishery are allowed during the months of November and December when the lake is closed.
According to the Fisheries Management and Conservation Act of 1997, annually Lake Malawi is closed for fishing from the 1st of November through to 31st of December in order to allow fish breed and eventually contributed to biodiversity conservation for sustainable livelihoods among people living along the lake and those beyond though proteins provide through fish consumption.