By Chisomo Kambandanga

NKhata Bay, July 19, Mana: Marine Police in NKhata Bay have arrested four fishermen for allegedly fishing in Lake Malawi using illegal fishing gears.

Spokesperson for Nkhata Bay Police, Sergeant Kondwani James said the suspects were arrested on Thursday July 18, 2024 by Nkhata Bay Marine Police who were on patrol together with fisheries officers.

James identified the suspects as William Kondowe, 26, from Mwale village, Pyson Mpauka 38 from Jumbo village, Madalitso Nyirenda 37 from Mphatso village and Brian Mphasi 23 fromTchulitchuli village all in the area of Traditional Authority Chapindika in Rumphi District who came to Nkhata Bay to do fishing.

"The suspects will appear in court soon to answer charges of using illegal fishing gears which is contrary to section 3 (1) of Fisheries Act," said James.

NKhata Bay District Fisheries Officer, Dellings Kamenya said the monofilament fishing nets are not allowed because they are so destructive to fish and at the same time none biodegradable once left in the water.

"At first we were just confiscating these gears without arrests but we have now taken an extra step to arrest those found using them because they are a threat to water bodies and the environment," Kamenya said.