By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhotakota, May 16, Mana: Director of Fisheries in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr Hastings Zidana has said efforts to conserve fish species in Lake Malawi are expected to improve.

This follows signing of Fisheries Management Agreements between the directorate and communities in Nkhata Bay and Nkhotakota.

Zidana said this Wednesday in Nkhotakota during an event where chiefs, sub-fisheries, associations, council officials and other stakeholders in fishing industry converged for the official signing ceremony of the agreements organized by Ripple Africa.

"By signing to this Management Agreements Plan, it means we are transferring most of the functions that were carried at central level to district councils.

“This is part of decentralization process and we expect the sub-fisheries associations to carry out their work with integrity. At the same time, we are increasing the workforce in conserving the fish resources for future generations.

"Currently, we have managed to produce 180,000 tonnes according to the 2023 survey we conducted. With this, we are expecting an increase of up to 350,000 tonnes by 2030,” Zidana said.

Country Director for Ripple Africa, Force Ngwira said the organization’s expectation was to see communities leading in managing fish resources.

"What Fisheries Department has done is to empower the community structures to play a vital role in managing fish resources in these two districts.

"Once the fishing resources, we have as a country are properly managed and utilized we are expecting better catches which will mean more money and food,” he said.

District Council Chairperson for Nkhata Bay, Osman Charge Phiri commended Ripple Africa for their continued support in the fishing industry and urged sub-fisheries associations in both districts to work hand in hand with chiefs and all stakeholders at local level.