LAKE CLOSURE - Commencement of fishing closed season at Makanjira in Mangochi
The 2023/24 fish closing season has commenced at Ntondo beach in the Makanjira area Senior Chief Lulanga, Mangochi. This initiative aims to provide fish with the opportunity to spawn and breed
CHIPHOLE, Malawi (Planet Defence) – Fort Maguire, a sector under the Lulanga Fisheries Association, inaugurated the 2023 fish closing season at Ntondo beach in the vicinity of Senior Chief Lulanga area in Makanjira, Mangochi.
Allie Tayme, Chairperson of the Mangochi Fisheries Association and concurrently serving as the Lulanga Sub-Fisheries Association Chairperson, extended gratitude to all Beach Village Committees (BVC’s) and other stakeholders who participated in the vital awareness meeting.
Tayme emphasized the prohibition of using banned mono-filament nets and other illegal gear within the fishing community during the fish close breeding season, scheduled from November 1st, 2023, to January 31st, 2024. This initiative aligns with the Fisheries Conservation and Management Act of 1997.
The closing season enables fish to breed and thrive, contributing to sustainable biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Sub-Traditional Authority Mambo, representing Senior Chief Lulanga, addressed the assembly, asserting that the lake's fish resources belong to the local communities, not solely to the central government. He urged communities to take responsibility for safeguarding these resources by observing the fish close breeding season.
Gervazio Mike Chasimbi, the Fisheries Assistant Officer in the area, highlighted that during the closed season, chalimira, longline, and handline fishery gear are permitted for use when the lake is closed.
"Our decision to close the lake is aimed at allowing fish to breed, ensuring sustainable long-term fisheries management in Lake Malawi," explained Chasimbi.
The event witnessed diverse representation from the stratum's communities, with notable attendees including staff from Ripple Africa, Field Coordinators, Fisheries Association chairpersons, and sub-fisheries members, among others. A total of 127 males and 28 females participated in the meeting.
This year's event was orchestrated by the Lulanga Fisheries Association through their BVCs, which collectively contributed a minimum of MK5,000.00. This financial contribution demonstrates the committee's self-reliance and sustainability, achieved through training in self-financing mechanisms conducted by CISER as part of the USAID-funded Restoring Fisheries for Sustainable Livelihoods (REFRESH) program in Lake Malawi.