By Burnett Munthali
The Department of Fisheries is optimistic about the success of the closing fishing season on Lake Malawi this year, with a range of strategies in place to ensure that fishers adhere to regulations aimed at promoting sustainability and allowing fish to breed.
The closing fishing season, which primarily targets large-scale commercial fishers, officially begins today and will run until the end of February 2025. The closure is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to protect fish stocks during their breeding period and to ensure the long-term viability of the fishing industry.
Davie Khumbanyiwa, Chief Fisheries Officer for Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance, shared that the department is working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including local authorities, law enforcement, and fishing communities, to guarantee the success of the season. “This is a crucial period for the fish population in Lake Malawi, and we are committed to enforcing the regulations that will allow fish to breed and replenish their numbers,” Khumbanyiwa said.
To ensure full compliance, the department has put in place an extensive monitoring and enforcement framework. Both water and land patrols will be conducted regularly to monitor fishing activities and prevent illegal fishing during the closed season. Additionally, roadblocks will be set up along all roads connecting lakeshore districts to other areas to intercept any illegal movement of fish during the closure.
“We are taking a multi-faceted approach to ensure compliance. Our officers will be conducting patrols on both land and water, and the roadblocks will help prevent the transportation of fish caught illegally during the closure. These measures will go a long way in curbing illegal fishing practices that threaten the sustainability of our fish stocks,” Khumbanyiwa explained.
The department is also actively engaging with local fishers, educating them on the importance of the closed season and how it benefits both their livelihoods and the ecosystem. “We want to ensure that fishers understand that this is not just a regulatory measure but a necessary step to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishing industry in Malawi,” Khumbanyiwa added.
The closing fishing season is expected to contribute significantly to the replenishment of fish stocks in Lake Malawi, which is one of the largest and most biodiverse freshwater lakes in the world. By enforcing this seasonal closure, the Department of Fisheries aims to support the livelihoods of both commercial and small-scale fishers while safeguarding the environment.
As the season commences, the Department of Fisheries continues to encourage cooperation from all fishers and stakeholders to make the initiative a success, emphasizing that the collective effort will ensure the preservation of Malawi’s rich aquatic resources for generations to come.
