WISE FISHERIES - Stop unsustainable fisheries practices on Lake Malawi say Champion
Selected members of the community trained to champion sustainable fisheries management have gone flat out to highlight illegal fishing practices and compliance of closed breeding season
MANGOCHI, Malawi (Planet Defence) - Lake Malawi serves as a vital ecosystem supporting livelihoods of numerous communities relying on fisheries resources.
However, the lake faces various challenges such as overfishing, illegal practices, habitat degradation, and inadequate knowledge of sustainable fishing techniques.
Restoring Fisheries for Sustainable Livelihoods (REFRESH) on Lake Malawi implemented by PACT Malawi has capacitated 88 fisheries champions fisheries champions in the eight lakeshore districts, aimed at enhancing sustainable fisheries management and conservation efforts.
During an awareness meeting on illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, compliance of closed season and gender based violence Sub Traditional Authority Mambo in the Area of Traditional Authority Mponda underscored the importance of raising fisher folks awareness regarding environmental impact of unsustainable practices such as use of mono-filament and mosquito nets.
STA Mambo emphasized that such malpractices lead to depletion of small fish populations, ultimately resulting in decreased catches at district level, which will have widespread economic consequences to livelihoods in the long term.
One other concerned raised was that of harassment being faced by women at Mkali Beach Village Committee (BVC).
The majority of women lamented that they are struggling to carry out their daily tasks as they face disrespect from fishermen solely based on their gender. Many described frequently enduring insults from the opposite gender when doing business at the beach.
In her remarks Group Village Mkali agreed to take up a leading role in addressing these gender based violence related issues along the area beaches.
Taking his turn, Jordan Kanyerere, Sub Fisheries Asscociation chairperson in the area emphasized the importance of fisher folk community to comply with existing regulations.
He urged them to take note that these are designated fishing breeding sites, marked by the BVCs, where sanctuaries have been established to protect young fish.
He also stressed the necessity and need of using appropriate fish gear as part of safety.
He further reminded everyone to remember that closed season starts 1st November and it is everyone's responsibility to understand the importance of fish closed breeding season.