Research shows electric bulbs not a threat to fish

Research has shown that electric bulbs have no effect on fish species.

The findings  will probably put to an end differences on  use of electric bulbs for fishing between fishermen of Likoma and Chizumulu islands.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), a research officer from Monkey Bay Fisheries Research Station James John Banda said there was no indication from the research findings that fish species and quantities were directly affected by the use of electric bulbs.

“Based on the study results on the research that was conducted in Monkey Bay by a team of researchers on light diodes or electric bulbs, there was no difference in the catch composition or fish quantities when we used electric bulbs and compared  with Tilley use,” he explained.

Banda said they are briefing district fisheries officers (DFOs) so that they can find best use of the technology in their districts but was quick to say it will also depend on the fishing by-laws in respective fishing communities.

For more than two years now, there has been conflict between fishing communities of the two islands; with Likoma embracing the technology and Chizumulu rejecting it.

The latter claims that the electric bulbs may lead to fish extinction, especially usipa.

The climax of the conflict early last year saw fishers and chiefs from Chizumulu sailing all the way to Likoma where they staged a protest march and presented a petition at the district council secretariat.

With placards written in bold letters reading “Chizumulu says no to bulbs,” they ululated, jeered and danced their way to the secretariat.

The Likoma camp, led by Fishermen Association chairperson Martin Mjima had argued that the new technology was environmental friendly.