By George Mponda

Mzuzu, February 29, Mana: Chairperson for Association of Environmental Journalists (AEJ) in Malawi, Matthews Malate, has urged journalists from districts along the lakeshore to be proactive in reporting fisheries issues.

Speaking in Mzuzu Tuesday at the opening of a five-day fisheries media training organised by PACT-Malawi under a project called ‘Restoring Fisheries and Sustainable Livelihoods in Lake Malawi’ (REFRESH), Malata said the media plays an important role in fisheries in the country.

Malata said; "Before REFRESH project, it was rare to see journalists writing stories concerning fisheries but now, through various interventions under the project, fisheries issues across the country are being reported.”

"However, there are still gaps. That's why trainings such as these are important to make sure that journalists are reporting from an informed point of view," he added.

Principal Fisheries Officer responsible for research at the Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources, Salim Mb'alaka, hailed the project for its unwavering support towards fisheries department in Malawi.

"Indeed, such trainings are important to media practictioners for them to engage officials and properly bring out information to the public which will benefit the industry in our country," M'balaka said.

Mb'alaka also hailed REFRESH project for donating a patrol boat to the fisheries department in Salima and for funding a recent biomass fish troll survey conducted by government.

One of the participants, District Information Officer for Nkhata Bay, Chisomo Kambandanga, said fisheries is an important sector that contributes to the livelihoods of people but it is under threat through various forms of malpractices.

"There is illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing which is having adverse effects on fish that Malawians depend on for food, nutrition and their livelihoods. Journalists need to take an active role in ensuring the fisheries industry is sustained," said Kambamdanga.