By Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, May 22, Mana: As one way of improving and conserving fish species in Lake Malawi, an agreement on fisheries management has been signed between the Director of Fisheries and Sub-Fisheries Associations for Salima and Dedza.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Salima district on Monday, Director of Fisheries, Dr. Hastings Zidana expressed optimism that the agreement would improve conservation efforts of fisheries.

He implored the associations to be diligent in executing their duties in a transparent manner as good examples in the fishing communities.

"The signing ceremony is one way of empowering fishing communities in the two districts, because we have trickled down some of our duties and powers to the Associations for them to use available by-laws to enforce fisheries regulations," he said.

He also urged the Traditional Authorities to support the associations, as they will be implementing fisheries management initiatives and not tolerate corrupt practices by allowing illegal fishers to operate in their areas.

Zidana said based on the 2023 survey in the fishing grounds in lake Malawi, the fish population stands at 180,000 metric tonnes but the government's vision is to attain 350,000 metric tonnes by 2030 and 700,000 metric tonnes by 2060.

The signing ceremony was facilitated with financial assistance from Ripple Africa through its conservation project called ‘fish for tomorrow’ which seeks to empower local communities and officials to take control of illegal fishing and unsustainable fishing methods in their areas.

Country Director for Ripple Africa, Force Ngwira said the signing is a milestone towards sustainable fishing among fishing communities.

He said they are committed towards assisting communities to have legally binding by-laws that allows them to understand the dynamics of sustainable fishing and not fishing in a way that promotes wastage and catching of small fish.

In his remarks, a representative of the fisheries Associations from Salima, Abdul Haji said the signing ceremony was timely because at the moment most fishermen do not understand stipulated by laws.

"We have been empowered and we pledge to lead by example in ensuring that the fisheries resources are well managed," he said.

A total of eleven Sub-Fisheries Associations, nine from Salima and two from Dedza, signed the fisheries management agreements with the Director of Fisheries.