By Ernest Mfunya

Mangochi, October 10, Mana: Mangochi District Fisheries Office has urged communities in the district to adhere to fishing rules and regulations as the district is observing closed fishing season in Upper Shire River and on Lake Malombe.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, Assistant Fisheries Officer, Kelvin Mkwinda said closed fishing season in the Upper Shire River and on Lake Malombe started from October 1and will finish on December 31 this year.

He said the closed fishing season is crucial to the fisheries industry as it enables fish species to breed, for sustainable fisheries within the ecosystem.

“The closed fishing season is a process and not a one-time initiative. It enables fish to breed and thrive, contributing to sustainable biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of fishing communities.

“The season was mainly instituted to protect the Chambo species but we also recognized the significance of the other species which helps in boosting the economic growth of the country and development of our communities, as such, we are urging communities in Mangochi to adhere to this,” he added..

Mkwinda said use of banned mono-filament nets and other illegal gear along the shores is also prohibited during the closed fishing season.

“Fishing activities done close to the beach or the shore is prohibited in the ecosystem. However, off shore type of fishing is allowed for example those that use Chilimira gears which catch fish like usipa and other small fish, hand line, mono and gill nets of good mesh,"  the Assistant Fisheries Officer added.

He therefore encouraged community leaders and structures such as Beach Village Committees (BVCs) Fisheries Associations (FA) and other stakeholders to be in the fore front sensitising people in the district on importance of managing fisheries resources.

Speaking in a separate interview, Chairperson for Malombe FA, Molson Thomas, said a lot of people fail to understand the reason behind the fishing closed season hence the need to for concerted efforts in order to enlighten communities on importance of sustainable management of fish species on Lake Malombe and Upper Shire. .

“"As Malombe FA, one of our tasks is to ensure that fishers and communities are aware of the rules and regulations that the department put in place. We also make sure that guidelines are being followed.

We however lack resources for effective enforcement such that we need collaboration with other stakeholders to protect fish in the lake," said Thomas.

Mangochi has three water bodies namely; Upper Shire River and Lake Malombe and Lake Malawi.

Closed fishing season on Lake Malawi is observed from November 1 to December 31st each year.