TIME UP - Chilombo BVC says NO to Nkacha nets
Chilombo Beach Village Committee (BVC), with support from community policing and local fishers, has confiscated an illegal 430-metre Nkacha net during a night patrol in Monkey Bay.
MONKEY BAY, Malawi (Planet Defence) - In a decisive community-led operation, residents of Chilombo Village in Monkey Bay have confiscated an illegal fishing net known locally as Nkacha, in an effort to protect Lake Malawi’s aquatic life and promote sustainable fishing. The initiative was carried out by the Chilombo Beach Village Committee (BVC), in collaboration with local community policing members and fisherfolk writes Elijah Katantha.
The operation followed growing concerns about unsustainable fishing practices along the shores of Lake Malawi, which threaten the livelihoods of thousands of families who rely on fishing as their main source of food and income. Nkacha nets are especially destructive because they are often used in shallow waters, indiscriminately trapping both mature and juvenile fish, and damaging vital breeding grounds.
During a night patrol, the team successfully seized a 430-metre-long Nkacha net that had been illegally deployed in the lake. The net was handed over to the Department of Fisheries, which has since filed the case with law enforcement authorities. The matter is expected to be heard soon at the Mangochi Magistrate’s Court, under provisions of the Fisheries Conservation and Management Act.
Chairperson of the Chilombo BVC, Mrs. Catherine Kandapo, applauded the unity shown by community members in the effort and emphasized the importance of protecting local resources.
“This lake is our natural heritage. If we allow illegal fishing to continue, we are risking the future of our food and nutritional security, as well as our incomes,” Kandapo said. “We all have a role to play in safeguarding what nature has given us.”
Group Village Head (GVH) Chilombo also commended the team for their action, saying his area has long struggled with illegal fishing. He expressed satisfaction that local structures were now taking a stand against such practices.
“As a traditional leader, I’m proud to see this kind of initiative. Our area had been associated with illegal nets, but now we are showing that we can change,” he said.
Community Policing Chairperson Richard Mvura praised the coordination among different groups during the patrol, stating that enforcement of environmental laws must start at the grassroots.
“We are proud to stand with the BVC and the people of Chilombo. This is not just about law enforcement—it’s about protecting our shared future. When communities work together like this, we send a strong message that environmental destruction will not be tolerated,” he said.
Representatives from the Department of Fisheries, Lake Malawi National Park, and Ripple Africa were also present during the handover of the net and praised the community for taking ownership of conservation efforts. Fisheries Assistant Officer Eddah Gondwe said the action taken by Chilombo sets a positive example for other fishing communities around the lake.
“Chilombo is setting an example. Sustainable fishing begins with local ownership and community responsibility. We encourage others to follow suit,” Gondwe said.
Lake Malawi, one of the world's most biodiverse freshwater lakes, continues to face mounting threats from overfishing, illegal gear, and environmental degradation. According to the Department of Fisheries, community involvement is key to reversing these trends and ensuring fish populations recover.
Following the operation, members of the Chilombo BVC have pledged to increase awareness campaigns, conduct regular patrols, and encourage compliance with fisheries regulations. Many community members also participated in transporting the confiscated gear, showing visible pride in their role.
“We want our children to fish in this same lake, not just hear stories about it,” said fisherman Austin Chirwa, one of the residents involved in the operation.
With continued collaboration between government, NGOs, and local communities, initiatives like this one in Chilombo are proving that grassroots action can be a powerful tool in protecting Malawi’s natural resources for future generations.